Author: Patrick Herron

Beyond MoCo

Rockville Man, Wanted for Murder of 20-Year-Old Woman, Arrested in Missouri

By Patrick Herron

Per MCPD: A Rockville man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a 20-year-old woman reported missing on Monday, January 2, 2023. Keylin Yolibeth Chavez-Dominguez’s body was discovered on Saturday, January 28, in the Upper Paint Branch Stream Valley Park under the Paint Branch Overpass of MD 200 – Inter County Connector.

Through the course of the investigation, Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes, Homicide Division detectives identified the ex-boyfriend, 30-year-old Francisco Ramon Lara Garcia, as a suspect. Lara Garcia and Chavez-Dominguez were living together at the time of her disappearance.

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Germantown

Germantown 7-Eleven Closed by Health Department

By Patrick Herron

MONTGOMERY COUNTY CODE – CHAPTER 15, EATING AND DRINKING ESTABLISHMENTS, SECTION 15-B (a): A PERSON MUST NOT OPERATE A FOOD SERVICE FACILITY WITHOUT A VALID LICENSE FROM THE DIRECTOR”

We will post an update when the location reopens. There are additional 7-Eleven locations in Germantown at 12301 Middlebrook Road, 12861 Clopper Rd, 21040 Henderson Corner Rd, 19700 Frederick Rd, 13001 Wisteria Dr, and 18701 Liberty Mill Rd.

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Beyond MoCo

Governor Moore Announces Discovery of Home at Harriet Tubman Birthplace

By Patrick Herron

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today joined local, state and federal partners at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Dorchester County to announce the discovery of a home where enslaved people lived on the Thompson Farm, the birthplace of Harriet Tubman. The discovery of the home—believed to be that of an enslaved overseer, possibly Jerry Manokey—follows the April 2021 announcement of the discovery of the home of Ben Ross, Harriet Tubman’s father.

“Harriet Tubman’s birthplace is sacred ground, and this discovery is part of our ongoing commitment to preserve the legacy of those who lived here,” said Governor Moore. “The find reveals untold stories of the past that help us both understand the history we share and inspire us to make a better future.”

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Beyond MoCo

Maryland State Police Investigating Fatal Single Vehicle Crash In Frederick County

By Patrick Herron

Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are continuing to investigate a fatal crash that occurred Monday evening in Frederick County.  Shortly before 7:17 p.m. on Monday, troopers from the Maryland State Police Frederick Barrack responded to the area of westbound Interstate 340 at Mt. Zion Road, for a single vehicle crash. According to a preliminary investigation, a 2004 GMC truck was traveling south on US 15 near Mt. Zion Road. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Scarlet Estep, 60, of Virginia, for unknown reasons, entered the grass median, corrected and crossed all lanes of traffic, striking an embankment.

The lone passenger in the truck, identified as Michael Piermatteo, 57, of Virginia, was flown to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where he was later pronounced deceased. Estep was transported to Frederick Memorial Hospital for treatment of her injuries. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation into this crash.

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MoCo Government

Councilmember Albornoz Introduces Bill 10-23 to Establish an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Commission

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: Councilmember Gabe Albornoz introduced legislation today to establish an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Commission. The legislation is supported by the full Council, the Executive Branch, as well as the Commission on People with Disabilities. The purpose of the bill is to better coordinate services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

“Addressing the complex system navigation needs, gaps in services, and state and County challenges impacts more than 40,000 people of all ages who have an intellectual and developmental disability in our County. An independent commission that will promote communication with families, advocates and providers is critical,” said Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee.

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Gaithersburg

Opening Information for Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken

By Patrick Herron

Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken at 16248 Frederick Rd (on the border of Gaithersburg/Rockville), in the Rock Grove Center on the corner of 355 and Shady Grove Rd, will open open this Sunday, February 19th at 7am. The restaurant will hold an official grand opening ceremony sometime in March. The North Carolina-based biscuit chain is known for their buttermilk-brined chicken and currently has Maryland locations in Columbia and Towson.  Menu items include biscuit sandwiches, biscuits & gravy,  fried chicken strips, and donuts.

The new store is the third location for father and son franchisees Francis & Christopher Kirley. “After the success Rise has enjoyed so far in Maryland, we’re excited to bring the brand to more people in the city,” said Ken Priest, CFO of Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken. “The Kirleys are just some of the many successful franchisees that are helping Rise expand our national footprint.”

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Silver Spring

Detectives Investigate Attempted Armed Carjacking at Safeway; Suspect Unable to Drive Car Due to Manual Transmission

By Patrick Herron
Courtesy Google Maps

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division area investigating an attempted armed carjacking that occurred on Monday, February 13, 2023, at the Safeway in the 900 block of Thayer Avenue. Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the male suspect.

The investigation by detectives has revealed that the suspect approached the victim, displayed a knife, and demanded the car keys. The victim complied and the suspect entered the car. The suspect was not able to drive the car because it was a manual transmission. He left the car and ran away.  The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 20-years-old, 5-feet, 6-inches to 5-feet, 8-inches tall and weighs 130 pounds. He was wearing a dark jacket, dark pants and a black mask.

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Rockville

Girl Scouts Robbed of Cookie Money in Front of Grocery Store

By Patrick Herron

A Girl Scout troop that was selling cookies in front of the Safeway at 14939 Shady Grove Rd in Rockville had their money box stolen over the weekend.  According to Rockville Police, “On Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. a mother and daughter were selling boxes of Girl Scout cookies outside of the Safeway in Fallsgrove Village Center. An unknown man walked up to their table and grabbed the money box containing approximately $300.00.” FOX5 reports that the troop does not want to press charges if the suspect is found, they only want their money back.

A parent involved in the incident posted the following message nextdoor: “Hi all, this is a community safety announcement as there are many Girl Scouts in the neighborhood. Today, my troop was robbed during their cookie booth sale in front of the Shady Grove Safeway. Fortunately, no one was injured. However, the “suspect” brazenly reached over the cookies on the table to grab the cash box directly in front of two girls with an adult female on either side…and a security camera looking directly on. Law enforcement are currently investigating.”

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Gaithersburg

Driver Charged With Vehicular Homicide While Under the Influence of Alcohol After Striking and Killing Elderly Couple in November

By Patrick Herron

Per MCPD: A Gaithersburg man has been arrested on charges related to a fatal pedestrian collision that occurred on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. 47-year-old Davinder Singh of Gaithersburg was arrested on Friday, February 10.

The investigation revealed that Singh was driving his Toyota Prius west on School Drive when he struck and killed 65-year-old Miguel Antonio Ortiz and 70-year-old Ana Margarita Ortiz, a married couple from Gaithersburg, who were crossing the street to vote at the school polling place. Singh was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.

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MoCo Government

County Executive Marc Elrich Announces New Legislation Aimed at Improving Late-Night Safety Across Montgomery County

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: On Monday County Executive Marc Elrich was joined by Montgomery County Councilmember Kate Stewart, Police Chief Marcus Jones, Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jane Redicker and entrepreneur Jason Miskiri to announce the Late-Night Business Safety Plan legislation.

The bill would establish new rules for businesses that operate between midnight and 6 a.m. in areas which generate high calls for service. Businesses that operate in those late hours would be required to develop a business safety plan and have it approved by police.

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