**It should be noted that the above arrests include only those arrests made by task force officers and do not include the additional arrests made by patrol officers in the performance of their duties. Therefore, the overall number of DUI arrests made by officers during this time period is higher.
# # #
Per Montgomery County: Outgoing Montgomery County Council President Gabe Albornoz, who concluded his one-year term as president today, reflected on the Council’s accomplishments in 2022. To close out his year as president, a video retrospective was prepared highlighting the work of the Council that he led in 2022. View the video.
“Thank you to my Council colleagues, current and past, for your support and collaboration this year,” Albornoz said. “I am grateful for Council President Evan Glass’ partnership and friendship over the last year and look forward to seeing all the Council accomplishes under his steady leadership this upcoming year. I stand ready to support him and Council Vice President Andrew Friedson as they rise to the challenge.”
Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred this morning in Frederick County. At about 6:35 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police Frederick Barrack responded to Liberty Road (MD Route 26) at Monocacy Boulevard in Frederick, Maryland for a report of a two-vehicle crash. According to a preliminary investigation, a cement truck was traveling east on Liberty Road, while a 2005 Honda Civic was traveling south on Monocacy Boulevard.
The driver of the Honda, identified as Blake Timothy Hipkins, of Thurmont, Maryland, attempted to cross over Liberty Road, but crashed into the cement truck at the intersection. Hipkins was declared deceased at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The intersection was closed until about 8:45 a.m. following the crash. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle believed to be responsible for a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred Sunday morning in Prince George’s County.
Investigators with the Maryland State Police Crash Team are looking for a black 2009 Nissan Altima with New Jersey tags P92NJE. Investigators believe that vehicle struck and killed Ceasar Alfred Charles Burke, 23, of Columbia, Maryland.
From the Office of Council President Evan Glass: Today, Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass announced the committee assignments for the 20th Council. Committee assignments are determined by the Council president every four years in collaboration with all Councilmembers.
“I am proud that the committee assignments for the 20th Council will be among the most diverse and historic – with a majority of our committees being chaired by Black, Latino, women and LGBTQ+ Councilmembers,” Council President Glass said.
Per the State of Maryland: Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the State of Maryland has issued an emergency cybersecurity directive to prohibit the use of certain Chinese and Russian-influenced products and platforms for the executive branch of state government, including TikTok. These entities present an unacceptable level of cybersecurity risk to the state, and may be involved in activities such as cyber-espionage, surveillance of government entities, and inappropriate collection of sensitive personal information.
“There may be no greater threat to our personal safety and our national security than the cyber vulnerabilities that support our daily lives,” said Governor Hogan. “As the cyber capital of America, Maryland has taken bold and decisive actions to prepare for and address cybersecurity threats. To further protect our systems, we are issuing this emergency directive against foreign actors and organizations that seek to weaken and divide us.”
Per MCPD: Detectives have arrested and charged 30-year-old Kevin Smith, unknown address, with the armed carjacking on White Oak Vista Ct. and the armed robbery of the Popeyes on Lockwood Dr. that occurred on Thursday, November 10, 2022. Through the investigation, detectives identified Smith as the second suspect involved in the armed carjacking and armed robbery of the Popeyes. On November 27, 2022, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Smith, charging him with armed carjacking and robbery related charges.
On November 30, 2022, officers located Smith in a vehicle and attempted to arrest him in the area of Castle Blvd. and Briggs Chaney Rd. Smith exited the vehicle and ran away towards the Sport Chevrolet dealership in the 3000 block of Automobile Blvd., where he hid a black fanny pack under a vehicle.
Per MCPD: A 42-year-old man has been arrested after shooting at a Montgomery County Police officer the morning of Tuesday, December 6, 2022. As a result of recent gun store burglaries, Montgomery County Police officers were on proactive patrol in the 700 block of East Gude Dr., when at approximately 12:30 a.m., an employee of Engage Armament ran towards the officer’s unmarked car and began shooting, hitting the unmarked car twice.
The employee, Andrew S. Raymond, of Darnestown, was outside of the store when the Montgomery County Police officer drove into the parking lot of Engage Armament. The officer witnessed a white male run towards his vehicle, while reaching into his waistband. The officer attempted to drive away when he heard gunshots. He then radioed for assistance and gave officers a description of the shooter. The officer noticed Raymond running towards his vehicle and he activated his emergency equipment, signaling that he was a police officer. Raymond immediately stopped, dropped his weapon, raised his hands and was taken into custody.
MONTGOMERY VILLAGE PHARMACY ROBBER ARRESTED near Watkins Mill Elementary and South Valley Park ~10:50AM Tuesday. Excellent work by @MCPnews.
— Cordell (@CordellTraffic) December 6, 2022
Per MCPD: As the holiday season coincides with a rise in respiratory virus cases, Montgomery County, in partnership with Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar and Westfield Wheaton, will provide free COVID bivalent boosters and flu shots during the 2nd holiday “Boosterama” vaccine event. The event will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Westfield Wheaton mall. Boosterama will be held outside of Carter’s on the 2nd floor of Westfield Wheaton. No appointment is needed. Pediatric booster shots will not be available at the event. Individuals who receive their COVID booster or a flu shot at the event will be eligible to win one of eight gift cards that can be used throughout Westfield Wheaton’s wide variety of retailers.
Respiratory illnesses such as RSV, flu and COVID are currently on the rise. While there is no vaccination for RSV, there are vaccinations available for flu and COVID. Boosterama events are part of a broader effort by the County to encourage residents to use common sense health measures, including staying up to date on vaccinations.
Update – SB OGT Rd at I270 interchange, collision, involves 2 vehicles, one flipped on side (1 person trapped), some lanes BLOCKED, @mcfrs SA700, RS741B, A733 assisting, patient extricated pic.twitter.com/3xtjc0i2pc
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 6, 2022