City/County Digest

In Baltimore City

Federal Hill man charged in fire after returning from Tenn.

A Federal Hill man whose disappearance last month set off a regional manhunt was arrested by city police on arson charges yesterday.

James Clark Standiford, 33, went missing April 1, shortly after his rented rowhouse in the 200 block of E. West St. was burned down. When relatives learned someone had withdrawn money from the unemployed telecommunications worker's bank account minutes later, they feared he had been abducted.

But, after two weeks in Memphis, Tenn., Standiford returned to his parents' home in Roland Park, where he was arrested early yesterday. He faces one count of first-degree arson. David B. Irwin, Standiford's attorney, had not seen the statement of charges last night, but said family members were relieved Standiford was safe.

Driver of stolen street bike dies in collision with van

The driver of a stolen street bike was killed yesterday when he collided with a van at a West Baltimore intersection, police said.

Daryl Carey, 28, of the 1600 block of Ashburton St. was driving a 2000 Suzuki 750 dirt bike east in the 1600 block of W. Lanvale St. about 4 p.m. at a high speed when he entered the intersection at the 800 block of N. Fulton Ave., said Officer Charles Rykiel of the Traffic Investigation Unit. Carey struck the front of a Ford Aerostar van whose driver had stopped before turning left onto southbound Fulton Avenue, Rykiel said. Both vehicles had the green light, Rykiel said.

Rykiel said Carey, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from the dirt bike and was pronounced dead at the scene. The van's driver, Judy Estep, 43, of the 600 block of N. Curley St., was not injured.

Streets to close tomorrow for Preakness Parade

The following streets will be closed tomorrow night, and parking prohibited on them, to accommodate the Preakness Parade:

Camden Street from Howard Street to Paca Street, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Eutaw Street from Pratt Street to Camden Street, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Market Place from Pratt Street to Water Street, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Pratt Street from Paca Street to President Street, 7:15 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The parade will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Eutaw and Pratt streets. The Preakness 5K/10K run, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. tomorrow, will not cause any street closures. But the city urges drivers to be careful while driving in South Baltimore and around Fort McHenry, because runners will occupy one lane of traffic.

Man killed in shooting in N. Baltimore is identified

Joseph W. Ramsey, 39, of the 5300 block of Ready Ave. was identified yesterday as the man who was fatally shot in North Baltimore on Wednesday night, becoming the city's 101st homicide victim of the year.

Ramsey was standing in the 600 block of Glenwood Ave. about 11:15 p.m. when someone approached, pulled out a handgun and opened fire, police said. Ramsey was hit in the head and died at the scene.

Police said they had no suspects and knew of no motives. Anyone with information is urged to call homicide detectives at 410-396-2100.

In Baltimore County

Man sought by police in door-to-door scheme

CATONSVILLE -- Baltimore County police are looking for a man who they say goes door to door claiming to sell discount seafood or cigarettes and drives away with people's money without delivering the merchandise.

Danny Lee Bailey, 45, of the 1700 block of Belt St. in South Baltimore is charged in an arrest warrant with petty theft, police said.

Bailey is accused of duping residents in the Wilkens Precinct over the past two months by telling them he will give them discount prices on seafood or cigarettes and then driving away in an older-model pickup truck after they've given him cash, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call police at

Rally to support troops set Sunday at park

COCKEYSVILLE -- A rally to show support for U.S. troops will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Oregon Ridge Park.

Sponsored by Baltimore CARES (Citizens and Representatives Embracing Soldiers), the rally will feature music by several bands, face painting and pony rides for children. Among the scheduled speakers is former Rep. Helen Delich Bentley. Food also will be sold.

Participants will be asked to sign banners to be sent to wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington and to those overseas.

Patapsco High students win awards at music event

DUNDALK -- Music students from Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts won eight first-place awards with superior ratings at the Fiesta-Val competition in Virginia Beach, Va., last month.

The high school's jazz choir, Great Expectations show choir and chamber choir were named grand champions.

Lee Johnson and Frank Alston were recognized as best student directors. Adrienne Dulaj, Ashley Parker, Jessika Johnson, Stephone Mernick and Nick Staigerwald won best soloist awards. Allison Brannen received a trophy for outstanding trumpet solo.