Maryland Guard Soldiers recognized for helping apprehend suspect
By 1st Lt Paul Jeong
EDGEWOOD, Md. – Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, supported local law enforcement in the apprehension of a suspect who breached the security gate at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) – South on September 30, 2023.
The incident began at approximately 3:10 p.m. when a suspect, allegedly driving at high speed, breached the Edgewood Gate of APG and proceeded onto the military base. A cooperative response from local law enforcement, working in collaboration with the Maryland Army National Guard, resulted in the suspect’s apprehension and the recovery of a substantial amount of stolen property.
At the time of the incident, the battalion, which is part of the 29th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, was conducting annual training at APG’s Weide Army Airfield. Soldiers present received a request for aviation support from APG law enforcement and local authorities. The 224th quickly dispatched a UH-72A Lakota helicopter, manned by two soldiers and a federal law enforcement officer from APG, to support the incident commander. The helicopter provided overwatch and communication to the ground teams.
The aircrew consisted of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Rob Silva, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Adams, and 2nd Lt. Michael Popielski serving as the sensor operator during the first flight. The second flight, with an agent in the back, included Silva, Adams and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Chris Hooper as the sensor operator.
The collaborative efforts of the Maryland Army National Guard, Harford County Sheriff’s Office and Bel Air Police led to the apprehension of the suspect, ultimately resulting in the recovery of approximately $15,000 in stolen merchandise from multiple Home Depot locations.
Bel Air Chief of Police Charles A. Moore expressed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the Maryland Army National Guard and local law enforcement.
“The suspect would not have been apprehended had it not been for the quick action and relentless approach of your deputies in the performance of their duties,” said Chief Moore in a letter of recognition.
“Our highly trained, proficient aircrews and support personnel allowed the Maryland Army National Guard to safely support local law enforcement in successful apprehension of the suspect,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Clayton Bagwell, commander of the 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment. “I am really proud of how all of our Soldiers can quickly react to meet and overcome any challenges that come their way.”
