Author: Patrick Herron

MCPD

Police and Family Concerned for Missing 14-Year-Old

By Patrick Herron

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Christopher Calderon, a missing 14-year-old from Silver Spring.

Christopher Calderon was last seen on the morning of Thursday, June 29, 2023, in the 1700 block of Mount Pisgah Lane. Christopher is approximately 5-feet, 6-inches tall and weighs 135 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing all black clothing and black Crocs.  He has braces with blue bands.  Police and family are concerned for his welfare.

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Education

Recreational Cannabis Information: A Message from Montgomery County Public Schools

By Patrick Herron

Please remember that just because a substance is legal, does not mean it is safe. Alcohol, tobacco products, and cannabis pose greater potential harms to young people, whose brains and judgment are still developing. Due to the dangers of underage use, these products remain illegal for individuals under 21 years old.

For staff members, alcohol and cannabis use may impair work performance or judgment, and is not permitted during the workday, or at school sponsored activities and events that occur outside of the regularly scheduled workday. This behavior does not align with MCPS’ commitment to student safety and professional excellence and is a violation of the Employee Code of Conduct. Federal law requires public schools receiving federal funds to be drug-free settings, and additional federal restrictions on substance use for commercial vehicle drivers apply to our transportation staff.

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Gaithersburg

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for New 6th District Police Station in Gaithersburg

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County:

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Evan Glass joined the ceremonies on June 29 as the County broke ground on a new 6th District Police Station at 222 Paramount Park Drive in Gaithersburg. Serving the Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village communities, the new 6th District Police Station will replace an outdated facility with a new, sustainably designed energy-efficient building scheduled to open in spring 2025.

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Germantown

Police and Family Concerned for Missing 15-Year-Old

By Patrick Herron

Harmonee is approximately 5-feet, 10-inches tall and weighs 170 pounds. She has brown eyes and red hair. She was last seen wearing a gray shirt and black jeans. Police and family are concerned for her welfare.  Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Harmonee Sykes is asked to call the police non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line). Callers may remain anonymous.

 

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MCPD

Issue Affecting Verizon Customers Ability to Call 9-1-1 Has Been Resolved

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County Police have announced that the issue preventing Verizon wireless customers from calling 9-1-1 has been resolved. Please call 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies. Montgomery County Police had posted the following message on its social media accounts on Friday, June 30: “MCP Emergency Communications (911) is experiencing a Verizon wireless issue. In the case of an emergency, callers with Verizon phone plans are asked to call their district stations. Verizon is aware and attempting to fix the problem.

Update: The Verizon wireless connection issue has been resolved.

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Beyond MoCo

MCFRS Assist in Response to Collision on I-95 Thursday Night

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) provided mutual aid for a collision that occurred Thursday night on southbound I-95 near Old Gunpowder Rd in Prince George’s County. Additional information courtesy of the Maryland State Police: “Maryland State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash in which two people lost their lives Thursday evening in Prince George’s County. Shortly after 10:40 p.m. on Thursday, troopers from the Maryland State Police College Park Barrack responded to the area of southbound I-95 just north of MD Route 212 for a report of a multi-vehicle crash. According to a preliminary investigation, a 2017 Dodge Charger, driven by Michael Daniel, 24, of Silver Spring, Maryland, was in the right lane and attempted to switch lanes and pass a tractor-trailer.

At the same time, a Hyundai Elantra was traveling in the next lane over to the left when it was rear-ended by the Dodge. The impact caused the Dodge to go off the left side of the road and the Hyundai to go off the right side of the road. The Hyundai came to rest facing north on I-95 and caught fire.

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Health

Marijuana Use to be Legalized in Maryland at Midnight; Frequently Asked Questions Answered

By Patrick Herron

Beginning July 1, 2023, residents 21+ in the state of Maryland will be able to legally purchase and possess cannabis. The following is a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the new laws, courtesy of the Maryland Cannabis Administration.

A person may purchase cannabis or cannabis products from a licensed dispensary if they display a government-issued photo ID at the point-of-sale that demonstrates they are 21 years or older (driver’s license, state ID card, passport/passport card, military ID, tribal card). Individuals will only be able to purchase up to the personal use amount authorized under law. This amount is up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower (including joints and pre-rolls), 12 grams of concentrated cannabis (vape products), or a total amount of edible cannabis products that does not exceed 750 mg THC.

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Health

MCPS Air Quality Message for Friday, June 30

By Patrick Herron

The CDC describes possible symptoms of and tips for reducing the effects of wildfire smoke pollutants.  We encourage all students, family members, and staff to learn more about the possible health risks related to current conditions and how to protect their health.

MCPS Athletics will follow NCAA air quality recommendations for participation, which include exertional activities that are shortened and reduced intensity. Sensitive athletes will be moved indoors.

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MCPD

Suspect Charged with Manslaughter and Distribution of a Controlled Substance in Connection with Fentanyl Overdose on Christmas

By Patrick Herron

Per MCPD: A Silver Spring man has been arrested and charged with manslaughter and distribution of a controlled substance in connection with the death of an adult male who overdosed last Christmas.

Junior Salvador Alvarez Paz is accused of selling a controlled substance to the victim the morning of Sunday, December 25, 2022. Following an autopsy, the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be caused by fentanyl and despropionyl fentanyl intoxication.

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