'East Coast Rapist,' Rain Tax, Kids in Cars, Cantina Stabbings: MD Top News

Here's a rundown of some of the top stories around Maryland in the past week:

'East Coast Rapist' Facing 54 Counts in Maryland

Aaron Thomas, 41, is facing rape and other charges in connection with the rapes of six women in Prince George's County. Read more on Upper Marlboro Patch.

Couple Charged in Fish Head Cantina Stabbing Death

A husband and wife have been charged in connection with the July 7 stabbing death of a 22-year-old man at the Fish Head Cantina. Read more on Arbutus Patch.

Police: Armed Columbia Man Shot After Smashing Bus Window at BJs

Police said the man was suspected of stealing before brandishing a knife at a security guard, then later police officers. Read more on Columbia Patch.

David Craig Names Running Mate in 2014 Governor's Race

The Harford County executive has selected a delegate from Maryland's Eastern Shore. Read more on Havre de Grace Patch.

Women Forcefully Robbed at Perry Hall Safeway, White Marsh Mall

Pay attention to your surroundings. Two women were forcefully robbed in Perry Hall last week, police incident reports show. Read more on Perry Hall Patch.

Toddler's Death in Hot Car Ruled Accidental

The heat-related death of a 16-month old girl has been ruled an accident by the state medical examiner. Read more on North Baltimore Patch.

Baltimore Officer, Bel Air Native, Dies in Glen Arm Crash

A Baltimore City police officer is dead after his car crashed into an embankment in the Glen Arm area early Wednesday, ejecting him from the vehicle, police said. Read more on Parkville Patch.

Business Leaders Decry Effects of ‘Rain Tax’

Some business owners say the new storm water management fee disproportionately affects them and will have to be passed on to customers. Read more on Dundalk Patch.

Same-Sex Couples Now Eligible for Federal Health Benefits

Federal employees who are legally married to a spouse of the same sex can now apply for health benefits previously available to only heterosexual couples. Read more on Laurel Patch.

53-Year-Old Man Missing After Walk to Deli

Clarence Tipton, 53, left his Woodlawn home to walk to Sam's Deli in the 6900 block of Windsor Road on Saturday, July 6, and has not yet returned. Read more on Pikesville Patch.

Dress for Success Brings Confidence Building to Severna Park

Rescuers Search for Kayakers in Potomac River

Rescue crews searched the Potomac River near Great Falls on Thursday for two kayakers. The river—known for its deadly currents—already has claimed the lives of two swimmers this summer. Read more on Potomac Patch.

National Cathedral Funeral for Chevy Chase Student Killed in Egypt

Andrew Pochter, 21, of Chevy Chase, was killed during a violent political protest in Egypt on June 28. Pochter was spending the summer in Egypt to teach English to children. Read more on Bethesda-Chevy Chase Patch.

Height Wars: In Chevy Chase Lake, How Tall Is Tall Enough?

Councilman Roger Berliner supports limiting the height of new construction in the Chevy Chase Lake sector (on Connecticut Avenue just south of the Capital Beltway), but the majority of his fellow council members did not vote to support his proposed 90-foot height limit. Read more on Bethesda-Chevy Chase Patch.

Solar Power Saves Bowie Thousands

The city is looking to expand its use of solar energy to additional properties over the next several years. Read more on Bowie Patch.

Bowie Man Charged With Starting Fires in Own Home

Bowie resident Elijah Kareem, 40, is facing multiple arson charges for allegedly setting fires inside of his home. Read more on Bowie Patch.

Bikram Yoga Heats Up Riverdale Park Town Center

A new yoga studio is set to open in Riverdale Park in September. Read more on Riverdale Park-University Park Patch.

Robbery Target Recognizes Attacker

A man recognized one of the two people robbing him in Oakenshawe. Read more on North Baltimore Patch.

Neuman Plans Run for Executive Office in 2014

Laura Neuman, appointed as Anne Arundel County executive in the wake of John Leopold’s resignation earlier this year, said this week she plans to run for a term in her own right. Read more on Anne Arundel Patch.

Man Struck With Baseball Bat, Robbed in Glen Burnie

Police arrested one man, and said the victim sustained serious injuries. Read more on Glen Burnie Patch.

Former Church Worker Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Young Girls in Columbia

The man was sentenced to 150 years for sexually abusing three girls between the ages of 3 and 5. Read more on Columbia Patch.

Benjamin Moore Promises "To Get It Done Right" on Main Street

The company said it will do whatever it takes to make Ellicott City’s Main Street look great after the town was named a winner in its national “Paint What Matters” campaign. Read more on Ellicott City Patch.

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