Daniel Oxendine, 32, was arrested Thursday

Credit: Harford County Sheriff's Office
Credit: Harford County Sheriff’s Office

NEED TO KNOW

  • Daniel Oxendine, 32, is charged with 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
  • He was taken to the Harford County Detention Center following his arrest Thursday
  • “Based on information gathered thus far, detectives believe Oxendine may have committed similar offenses beyond the incident that led to his arrest,” the Harford County Sheriff’s Office said

A Baltimore police officer is accused of raping a woman he had driven home while on duty.

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement following his arrest Thursday that DNA evidence had identified Officer Daniel Oxendine, 32, in the rape of an Edgewood woman in June.

According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation began on June 3, when detectives responded to a local hospital to meet a woman who reported she had been sexually assaulted.

Detectives learned Oxendine, who was on duty at the time, had encountered the woman while investigating an unrelated call for service in Baltimore City, per the statement. The woman told investigators she needed a ride to her home in Edgewood and Oxendine’s supervisor gave him permission him to drive her there.

After arriving at her apartment, Oxendine sexually assaulted her, the statement alleged.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The woman called authorities and was taken to a hospital, where a sexual assault kit exam was performed. Forensic evidence, including DNA, was collected and preserved for analysis, the sheriff’s office said. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant after DNA test results “conclusively” identified Oxendine as the offender.

He was taken into custody and is being held at the Harford County Detention Center. It was not immediately clear if he has retained an attorney who can speak on his behalf.

Oxendine is charged with 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.

“Based on information gathered thus far, detectives believe Oxendine may have committed similar offenses beyond the incident that led to his arrest,” the sheriff’s office said in its statement. “Investigators are working diligently to identify any additional incidents in which he may have been involved.”

Detectives are reviewing evidence, examining prior reports and coordinating with partner agencies to determine whether other crimes may be connected, the statement continued.

“As part of this ongoing effort, we encourage anyone who may have had contact with this individual, or who may have information helpful to investigators, to reach out to Detective Golden at 410-836-5430,” the sheriff’s office said.

A spokesperson for the Baltimore Police Department tells PEOPLE they are aware of Oxendine’s arrest. His police powers were previously suspended and he is now suspended without pay.

The department is fully cooperating with the investigation, according to the spokesperson.

Oxendine has been a member of the department since June 2017.

#Baltimore #Police #Officer #Accused #Raping #Woman #Duty #Driving #Home