Baltimore police officer charged in rape of Edgewood woman

An Edgewood woman’s report of an on-duty sexual assault led to the arrest Thursday of a Baltimore police officer, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

What investigators say happened: Detectives began investigating June 3 after meeting the woman in a local hospital emergency room. She told them she had been sexually assaulted.

The sheriff’s office said Baltimore Police Officer Daniel Oxendine met the woman in Baltimore City while he was on duty and handling an unrelated call. The woman said she needed a ride to her Edgewood home, and Oxendine’s supervisor approved the trip.

According to the sheriff’s office, Oxendine went inside the woman’s apartment after they arrived and sexually assaulted her.

The DNA evidence: The woman was taken to a hospital for a sexual assault exam. Medical workers collected and saved evidence, including DNA, for testing.

The sheriff’s office said the test results identified Oxendine as the person responsible. Detectives then obtained a warrant for his arrest.

The arrest and charges: Detectives took Oxendine into custody Thursday without a struggle, according to the sheriff’s office. He was taken to the Harford County Detention Center and was awaiting his first court appearance.

Oxendine faces six charges: two counts of first-degree rape, two counts of second-degree rape and two counts of a law enforcement officer engaging in a sexual act with a victim or witness of an investigation.

Search for other cases: Detectives believe Oxendine may have committed similar offenses, based on information gathered during the investigation. The sheriff’s office did not provide details about that information or say whether it had received other reports involving him.

Investigators are reviewing evidence and earlier reports to determine whether Oxendine is tied to other crimes.

How to contact investigators: Anyone who had contact with Oxendine or has information that could help the investigation can call Detective Golden at (410) 836-5430.

Reminder: Crime articles contain only charges and information from police reports and law enforcement statements. Suspects and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.