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News Wrap: Justice Dept. Probe into Gray Case; Murder Suspect May Have Fled

Justice Dept. Opens Investigation into Suspect Death

The Justice Department has opened a federal investigation after a man died of spinal injuries he suffered after an arrest in Baltimore. Spokeswoman Dena Iverson announced the investigation Tuesday by the department's Civil Rights Division. The investigation will look for civil rights violations in the treatment of Freddie Gray, who was arrested April 12 and placed in a transport van. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition about 30 minutes later, and died Sunday of what police described as a significant spinal injury. In federal civil rights cases such as this one, investigators look for evidence that an officer willfully violated a person's civil rights by using unreasonable force.

The Baltimore City Police Department and the state’s attorney’s office have launched their own investigations into why Gray was stopped and what led to his injury. BCPD also suspended six officers, including a 41-year-old lieutenant who has been on the force since 1997 and a 30-year-old female sergeant, while the investigation continues. The officers were placed on administrative leave with pay. Police Commissioner Anthony Batts said the department's investigation should conclude by the end of next week.

Dunkin' Donuts Murder Suspect Possibly Left U.S. 

The man suspected of killing his wife at an Anne Arundel County Dunkin' Donuts shop may no longer be in the U.S. The Capital Gazette reports an affidavit filed in court shows that police found Bhadreshkumar Patel had retrieved his Indian passport, and investigators say he may have left the country almost immediately. Patel's wife was found dead April 12 inside the Dunkin' Donuts where the couple worked. 

Restaurant Inspection Info Could Go Public 

A Baltimore city councilman has revived an effort to give the public access to more information about health inspections at the city's nearly 5,000 restaurants and eateries. Signs explaining violations would be posted at food establishments closed by health inspectors, under a bill introduced by City Councilman Brandon Scott. The proposal also calls for the creation of a real-time online database of the closures. 

Unemployment Rate Drops In Maryland 

Maryland's unemployment rate is down slightly. Despite losing 5,700 jobs, new federal statistics show the state's jobless rate dropped to 5.4 percent last month. It was 5.5 percent in February.  State officials say Maryland's private sector has added more than 32,000 jobs in the past year. 

Maryland Comptroller Releases Unclaimed Property List 

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot is releasing a list of more than 78,000 unclaimed property accounts. Residents can check the comptroller's website to see if they can claim any part of the $58 million dollars worth of property. To bring attention to the list, Franchot has released a YouTube video in which he plays Agent 0033 with a license to return unclaimed property.

Gas Prices Up In Maryland 

Gas prices are up across Maryland. AAA says the statewide average for a gallon of regular stands at about $2.43, up more than 4 cents from a week ago. Despite the increase, the price at the pump is still significantly lower than the year-ago average of $3.64.

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