Northwestern District

Baltimore CityFIRE ASSAULT: Eastern District -- A 74-year-old man was listed in critical condition in the burn unit at the Bayview Medical Center yesterday, and police charged his 42-year-old wife with setting him on fire. Police said rubbing alcohol was thrown on the man and ignited during an argument in the couple's home in the 1600 block of N. Durham St.SHOOTING: Southern District -- A 37-year-old Anne Arundel County man was listed in critical condition at the Maryland Shock Trauma Center after police found him lying on the ground at Latrobe Park in the 1500 block of E. Fort Ave. early yesterday.

Baltimore City* ARMED ROBBERY: Southern District -- Southside Movies in the 800 block of E. Fort Ave. was robbed late Saturday by a man armed with a handgun and wearing a ski mask. Police said the man entered the theater about 10:30 p.m. and ordered the manager to open the safe. He also robbed an usher.* STOLEN AUTO: Northeastern District -- Someone stole a 1993 blue Dodge van parked in front of a home in the 1500 block of Upshire Road between 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 a.m. yesterday.* STOLEN AUTO: Northern District -- A 1994 Dodge van parked in the 700 block of Belle Terre Ave. was stolen between 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. yesterday.

A 10-year-old boy was arrested yesterday and charged with drug possession in Northwest Baltimore after he allegedly was caught holding several vials of cocaine for someone older, police said.The arrest occurred yesterday about 4:30 p.m. in the 3200 block of Woodland Avenue, near Park Heights Avenue, when police spotted a 20-year-old allegedly selling drugs.As police moved in, they saw the 20-year-old passing several vials to the 10-year-old. A subsequent search of the 10-year-old yielded seven vials of powdered cocaine, police said.

BALTIMORE CITY* BURGLARY: Northwestern District -- Someone entered a garage in the 3000 block of Wayne Ave. over the weekend through the door and stole three new or late-model dirt bikes valued at more than $12,000.* BURGLARY: Northwestern District -- Property of unknown value was stolen from a house in the 5600 block of Haddon Ave. over the weekend by someone who entered by unscrewing the large metal mail slot then reaching inside and unlocking the door.* THEFT: Northwestern District -- Jewelry valued at more than $1,000 was stolen from a house in the 3300 block of Carlisle Ave. Sunday.

Baltimore police Commissioner Edward T. Norris again shook up the top ranks of his department yesterday, moving several commanders to new positions and promoting a lieutenant to major, police officials said. Norris and his top commanders had been planning to make several changes in the wake of the retirement of Bert F. Shirey, deputy commissioner of administration. Last week, Norris promoted Col. Kenneth Blackwell, who headed the patrol divisions, to Shirey's job. He also promoted Lt. Col. John McEntee, who oversaw the Northwestern District, to colonel to replace Blackwell.