ANNAPOLIS - An Annapolis man was charged Friday with allegedly forcibly touching a woman in a sexual way while she stood at a bus stop on West Street, city police said.

The woman was standing at a bus stop in the 100 block of West Street near Lafayette Avenue at about 8:30 p.m. when the man approached her, according to the police report.

She told police the man grabbed her in a sexual way and continued to do so despite her protests.

A passer-by noticed what was happening and rushed over to help the 40-year-old victim, police said.

The man then ran away, police said. A short time later, officers arrested a man who matched the woman's description about a block away, police said.

Tyrone Pratt, 57, of College Creek Terrace, was charged with second-degree sex offense and second-degree assault, police said.

He is being held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center in lieu of a $75,000 bond, officials said this morning.

Fire investigations still under way

County fire investigators are still trying to determine what caused a fatal fire early yesterday morning, though they have ruled the blaze an accident.

Kendall R. Brown, 42, died in the fire at his home on the 1100 block of Mace Road in the Bay Ridge area.

Also, city fire officials are still investigating what caused a two-alarm fire Sunday morning in Robinwood.

They said the blaze caused $150,000 worth of damage and seven people inside suffered minor injuries.

Meanwhile, firefighters were back at the public housing unit yesterday afternoon because a mattress had apparently continued to smolder from the fire and had flared up, said Lt. Dale Thompson from the Annapolis Fire Department.

The "hot spot" was taken care of within a matter of minutes, Lt. Thompson said.

City fire officials also reminded people to call 911 during emergencies. They said firefighters were delayed in arriving to the Robinwood fire because the person who reported it called the Annapolis Police Department, not 911.

The police in turn called the fire department, but Lt. John Bowes, city Fire Department spokesman, estimated firefighters were delayed at least two minutes in getting out to the fire.

"Any time delay, if somebody is trapped or something, could be the difference between life and death," Lt. Bowes said.

Bay foundation needs volunteers

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation needs volunteers for two upcoming oyster restoration projects.

Tomorrow, the foundation needs volunteers to help cut wire for oyster cages at its Oyster Restoration Center at Discovery Village in Shady Side.

The workday is from 9 a.m. to noon. While no heavy lifting is required, workers will do plenty of bending and working with their hands. Volunteers should dress in comfortable clothing.

To participate, contact Heather Tuckfield at htuckfield@cbf.org.

Also on Oct. 29, the foundation needs about five helpers to open mesh bags of oysters and empty them on the decks of the Patricia Campbell. The boat will be docked off of Mill Creek on the Broadneck Peninsula.

Foundation officials advised the work is muddy and heavy - volunteers should be able to lift 30 pounds repeatedly, so it's not a good activity for those younger than 14. Old clothes and sturdy, closed-toed shoes are a must.

To participate or for more information, contact Stephanie Reynolds at sreynolds@cbf.org.

- From staff reports