Veteran Baltimore County Cop Attempts Breaking Into Home To Steal Pills

PARKVILLE, Md. (WJZ) -- A Baltimore County police officer on the wrong side of the law. Officer Joseph Harden was arrested Thursday night and charged with attempted burglary and robbery. Police officials say Harden admits he has a drug problem.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the case.

Harden is a ten-year veteran of the Baltimore County Police force, but officials say he admits his role in that burglary attempt.

A 911 call from a home along North Boundary Road in Dundalk brought police out Tuesday night. A man inside says someone claiming to be a police officer was trying to kick in his door to rob him.

Police pulled over a speeding Toyota nearby driven by Officer Joseph Harden, who fit the description of the suspect.

"He and an accomplice went to visit a drug dealer over in Dundalk and they attempted to break into the drug dealer's home," said Elise Armacost, Baltimore County Police.

Police officials say Harden admitted to the attempted break-in and told detectives he's addicted to oxycodone.

Baltimore County officials say Harden has a good history with the department and was injured last year while helping a fellow officer.

"He was involved about a year ago in a very serious police-involved shooting in which he played a pivotal role in helping to possibly save one of his fellow officers when a suspect was trying to take her gun away," Armacost said.

Harden works out of the Parkville Precinct. He faces several charges, including attempted burglary and drug possession.

Harden told investigators he became addicted to pills after having surgery from that work-related injury.

Harden has been suspended from his duties as a police officer.

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