Patrick Herron, Author at The MoCo Show

Governor Moore Attends Affordable Connectivity Program Training Session in Montgomery County to Encourage Community Enrollment Through Engagement

Published September 14, 2023 at 9:41PM

Per the State of Maryland: Today, Governor Wes Moore joined the Montgomery County Office of Broadband’s training event during a free Broadband Affordable Connectivity Program training session to encourage community enrollment in the program. The virtual event, with more than 250 in-person participants, complements last month’s Affordable Connectivity Program training session at Salisbury University.

“Thank you for answering the call to help connect people to high speed connectivity,” said Gov. Moore. “Your work is critical to Maryland’s success, as the internet is one of the most important pathways to prosperity in the 21st century. You are the very best of Maryland, and I thank you for your service.”

Beyond MoCo

Governor Wes Moore Joins President Joe Biden in Prince George’s County in Support of Key Investments to Grow the Economy, Announces $17.4 Million in Funding for Adult Education

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 9:39PM

Governor Moore speaking at podium during President Biden's visit to Prince George’s County Community College

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced that Maryland will direct $17.4 million toward adult education providers in support of key investments to grow Maryland’s economy. The announcement came as part of the program during President Joseph R. Biden’s visit to Prince George’s County Community College in support of the Biden Administration’s vision for growing the country’s economy.

“Together, we will grow an economy that works for everyone, from the bottom up and the middle out,” said Gov. Moore. “President Biden has been very clear about his vision to empower and educate workers to grow the middle class. It’s a vision I stand by because it’s good for Maryland, good for our people, and good for our economy. Together, we are going to work in partnership to follow the president’s lead, build out our workforce, grow the economy, and win this decade.”

Crime

Police Respond to Stabbing Thursday Evening

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 9:37PM

Montgomery County Police responded to the 900 block of Ellsworth Drive at approximately 6:10 p.m., on Thursday, September 14, for the report of a stabbing. According to police, a male victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries and a male suspect is in custody. Public safety reporter Cordell Pugh reports that the victim suffered chest & facial injuries.

This is an active investigation and we will provide an update if additional information becomes available. Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.

MCPD

Police and Family Searching for Missing 15-Year-Old

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 9:31PM

The Special Victims Investigations Division is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Xavier Beltran, a missing 15-year-old. Beltran was last seen on Monday, September 11, 2023, in the 200 block of Poplar St. in Rockville. He is 5’6″, 120 lbs., with black hair, brown eyes and was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black sweatpants and red and black high top sneakers.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Xavier Beltran is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).

Crime

Police Investigating Verizon Store Burglary

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 5:03PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 6thDistrict Investigative Section are investigating a burglary that occurred on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at a Verizon store in the 17700 block of Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood. Detectives have released surveillance video of the suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him. The investigation has revealed that the suspect broke a window to force his way into the store. Once inside, he stole store items before leaving the scene.

Detectives reviewed surveillance video and obtained a description of the suspect. The suspect is described as a Black male, with medium length black hair and a black beard. He is described as a wearing a tan long sleeve hooded t-shirt, black sweatpants with “Nike Air,” written vertically on the right leg and white sneakers with gray and black designs.

Wheaton

‘Luis Garay Percussion World’ Will Headline Wheaton TGIF Encore Free Friday Fall Concert on Sept. 15

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 3:40PM

Per Montgomery County: Luis Garay Percussion World will headline the Wheaton TGIF Friday Encore fall concert series on Friday, Sept. 15, at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza, adjacent to the Wheaton Business Triangle and near the Wheaton Metro Station. The performance begins a month of Friday concerts that join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

The event will feature live artist demonstrations and beverages from Twin Valley Distillers. The TGIF party will begin on the plaza at 5 p.m. with a DJ set followed by a live concert at 6 p.m. Parking is available in the building at 2425 Reedie Dr.

Crime

Off-Duty Officer Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Second-Degree Murder

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 3:09PM

According to the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office, “Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before the Honorable Michael Mason, defendant, David Hall Dixon, 42, of Takoma Park, MD, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of 38-year-old James Johnson and 32-year-old Dominique Williams, and one count of first-degree assault for shooting at a third victim. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 16^th, 2023. Dixon faces up to 30 years in prison per a plea agreement. The judge may or may not add additional suspended time.

This stems from an incident on the morning of April 7^th, 2021, when the defendant fired gun shots at a vehicle in the parking lot of his apartment building located along the 7000 block of New Hampshire Avenue in Takoma Park, striking two of the occupants. Dixon told police that he believed the people inside of the vehicle had been attempting to break into a parked van. The defendant was an off-duty Police Officer with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency. State’s Attorney John McCarthy and Assistant State’s Attorney George Simms are prosecuting this case.” Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.

Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks to Host Oktoberfest Ale Trail

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 2:11PM

Ale Trail Festival at Lake Needwood in September 2022. Photos by Tony Ventouris.

Per Montgomery Parks: Montgomery Parks will host Parks Ale Trail on Sunday, September 24, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. This free, family-friendly festival features a nearly two-mile hike along the trails of Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park, live music, as well as a beer garden and food from area vendors available for purchase. Kids will have an opportunity to climb trees for a bird’s-eye view of the lake and park, with the support of Montgomery Parks tree climbing crews or enjoy the inflatables. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.

“We are excited to bring back Parks Ale Trail this year. We are also excited to be featuring five Montgomery County breweries and a winery this year. It promises to be a beautiful day to kick off fall and the Oktoberfest season with a hike, live music, local beer, and food and fun with family and friends,” said Michael Coppersmith, director of Montgomery Parks Activation Program.

Hillandale

Update: Police Investigating New Hampshire Avenue Pedestrian Fatality; Victim’s Identity Released

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 2:08PM

Per MCPD: A 31-year-old Silver Spring man died after he was hit by a vehicle on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. At approximately 4:12 a.m., 3rd District officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel responded to New Hampshire Avenue near Chalmers Road for the report of a collision involving a pedestrian.

Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation has determined that the driver of a white 2020 Ford Transit Van was traveling southbound on New Hampshire Avenue, when he struck a pedestrian, later identified as Evan Heath Hesekiel, who was crossing southbound New Hampshire Avenue, north of Chalmers Road. The driver remained on scene.

Crime

MCPD: Detectives Investigating Hate-Based Vandalism on Josiah Henson Parkway Bridge Found in August

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 12:33PM

On August 27, 2023, at approximately 7: 53 p.m., 2nd District officers observed orange spray paint reading, “Club Aryan Excellent” with a black Swastika in an orange outline and a palm tree painted on the wall under the Josiah Henson Parkway pedestrian tunnel.

Anyone with information regarding suspect(s) or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Tips may remain anonymous.”

Bethesda

Detectives Investigate Mail Theft in Bethesda

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 11:24AM | Updated September 14, 2023 at 11:50AM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Investigations Division are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects who stole packages and mail from an apartment complex in Bethesda.

On August 19, 2023, 2nd District officers responded to the 5400 block of Westbard Ave. for the report of a theft that occurred earlier. The investigation by detectives has determined that two suspects entered the secured building, after a resident opened the lobby door to pick up a food delivery. Once in the building, the suspects stole multiple packages belonging to residents. Detectives obtained surveillance video of the suspects.