The case began with one woman’s report. It now reaches beyond her Edgewood apartment.
A Baltimore Police officer faces four rape charges after investigators said DNA tied him to the alleged on-duty sexual assault of an adult woman. Harford County detectives now believe he may have committed similar offenses and are searching for other possible victims.
Deputies arrested Baltimore Police Officer Daniel Oxendine Thursday, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. He is charged with two counts of first-degree rape and two counts of second-degree rape.
Oxendine also faces two counts of a law enforcement officer engaging in a sexual act with a victim or witness of an investigation.
The charges have not been proven in court. The Sheriff’s Office did not identify any additional victims or disclose how many other possible crimes detectives are reviewing.
The investigation began June 3, after a woman reported a sexual assault. Sheriff’s Office detectives met her in the emergency department of a local hospital.
According to investigators, Oxendine encountered the woman in Baltimore City while he was on duty and handling an unrelated call for service. The woman told investigators she needed transportation to her Edgewood home.
Oxendine’s supervisor authorized the trip, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators allege Oxendine then entered the woman’s apartment after they arrived and sexually assaulted her.
The Sheriff’s Office responded, and the woman underwent a sexual assault kit exam at a hospital. Investigators collected and preserved forensic evidence, including DNA.
The Sheriff’s Office said DNA testing conclusively identified Oxendine as the person who assaulted the woman. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant after receiving the results.
With help from the Baltimore Police Department, detectives located Oxendine and took him into custody without resistance, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Authorities transported him to the Harford County Detention Center, where he was awaiting an initial court appearance when the Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest.
The inquiry did not stop there.
Based on information gathered during the investigation, detectives say they believe Oxendine may have committed similar offenses. They are reviewing evidence and prior reports while working with other agencies to determine whether additional crimes may connect to him.
The Sheriff’s Office said the continuing investigation aims to identify other possible victims and connect them with support and resources.
Anyone who had contact with Oxendine or has information that could assist investigators may 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.