Author: Patrick Herron

Rockville

Detectives Investigate Commercial Burglary in Rockville; Surveillance Photos of Suspect Released

By Patrick Herron

On Monday, October 17, 2022, at approximately 6 a.m., 4th District officers responded to the location for the report of a commercial burglary that occurred earlier. The investigation by detectives has determined that on October 16, 2022, at approximately 11:03 a.m., a male suspect is observed kicking the front door of the store until the glass breaks, allowing him to enter. Once inside, the suspect approached the Cigarette Cabinet, stole property and then left the scene.

The suspect is described as a White male with a red and gray beard and mustache. He was wearing a white bicycle helmet, blue plaid shirt, blue jeans, black sneakers and a black and red backpack. Detectives reviewed the surveillance footage of the store and obtained photographs of the suspect.

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Germantown

Update on CAVA Digital Kitchen in Germantown

By Patrick Herron

Permanent signage is up for Cava Digital Kitchen at 19865 Century Blvd in Germantown, which is replacing Zoe’s Kitchen. We’re told the restaurant is hoping to open in November, but no date has been announced. CAVA opened their first Digital Kitchen in Sandy Spring, GA back in March. According to a social media posts by CAVA,  “CAVA Digital Kitchen has arrived… Just order ahead on our app or our site for easy pickup or delivery! Convenient *and* delicious. Build your bowl: order.cava.com”

CAVA, the fast-casual restaurant that started in MoCo, acquired Zoe’s and its 200+ restaurants in 2018 for approximately $300 million

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Health

Governor Hogan Announces Statewide Preparedness Efforts to Address Increase in RSV and Potential COVID-19 and Flu Surges

By Patrick Herron

ANNAPOLIS, MD—As hospitals in the region and across the country experience an increase in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) admissions, Governor Larry Hogan today announced a series of new mitigation actions, along with preparedness efforts for potential fall and winter COVID-19 and flu surges in Maryland. “After meeting with our multi-agency public health task force yesterday and reviewing all of the data, I am announcing these steps to give our hospitals more tools to expand bed capacity for pediatric patients,” said Governor Hogan. “We also continue to encourage Marylanders to be COVIDReady, so that we remain one of the most vaccinated and boosted states, and stay ahead of the virus.”

Hospitals Directed to Utilize Additional State Funding to Prioritize Pediatric ICU Staffing. RSV hospitalizations are increasing earlier and more rapidly than in previous years, with the 0-2 age group comprising 57% of hospitalizations. On October 14, the Maryland Department of Health announced $80 million in additional funding for healthcare providers across the state. Hospitals will receive $25 million and have been directed in award letters issued today to utilize these resources to increase the hiring and recruitment of staff. For facilities with pediatric ICU and/or inpatient beds, awards should prioritize staffing those units appropriately before considering other non-pediatric units. All hospitals are also strongly urged to collaborate with neighboring hospitals on pediatric patient care coordination.

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Germantown

Maryland State Police Arrest Men On Gun Charges Following Two Traffic Stops In Montgomery County

By Patrick Herron

At about 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, troopers from the Rockville Barrack conducted a traffic stop on Piney Branch Road south of Ray Drive in Silver Spring, Maryland for a vehicle with suspected illegally tinted windows. Troopers observed suspected illegal drugs in the vehicle. This led to a probable cause search, which yielded a handgun that had been reported stolen in South Carolina.The driver of the vehicle, Robel Habtu, 20, of Silver Spring, Maryland was arrested at the scene. He is charged with possession of a stolen firearm, illegal possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and possession of a firearm while underage. Habtu was transported to the Montgomery County Detention Center. He was released after posting $7,500 bond. The cases remain under investigation.

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Wheaton

‘HalloWheaton’ Will Be an Afternoon of Fun, with a Costume Contest, on Marian Fryer Plaza in Downtown Wheaton on Sunday, Oct. 30

By Patrick Herron

The event also will have a beer garden, which will have charges. All proceeds from beer/wine sales will go to Mid-County United Ministries, a local nonprofit organization that provides emergency food and assistance to people in need.  The costume contest will begin at 2 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Wheaton Urban District and Montgomery County Recreation. More information about HalloWheaton is available at www.wheatonmd.org.

We hope to see you at HalloWheaton this weekend! 👻 Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/gvxaAjjUut. @WheatonMD pic.twitter.com/I4bGQf20gj

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Potomac

Vehicle Driven into Building at Potomac Woods Plaza

By Patrick Herron

A vehicle was driven into the Walgreens at 1075 Seven Locks Rd in Potomac Woods Plaza on Friday, October 28, around 11am.  According to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Pete Piringer, EMS is currently evaluating one adult (driver) and no patrons were injured. We will post an update when more information becomes available. Feature photo courtesy of Sam Polland (@samthelender on Instagram).

Per @mcfrsPIO on twitter: “Potomac Woods Plaza, 7 Locks Road & Fortune Terrace, Potomac, Walgreens store, collision, vehicle struck building, @mcfrs M723, PE733, EMS703 on scene, @MCFRS_EMIHS evaluating 1 adult (driver), vehicle on sidewalk up against building, building inspector notified, no patrons inj”

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Glenmont

A 19-Year-Old Bicyclist Has Died From Injuries Sustained in Hit-And-Run Collison on Sunday

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County Police held a press conference today regarding a hit-and-run that occurred on Sunday, October 23rd at approximately 11 p.m., in the area of Georgia Avenue and Janet Road in Wheaton-Glemont. It was announced that the victim, William Villa Vicencio, 19, had passed away due to his injuries. He was described as a happy young man, the son of a single mom who raised three boys, that was looking forward to his 20th birthday. Assistant Police Chief Marc Yamada and the family’s pastor spoke at the conference.

William was coming home from work on his bicycle when he was struck by a vehicle on Georgia Ave.  Police are searching for a dark red or maroon vehicle, possibly a 2003-2007 Honda Accord, that is missing its right side view mirror and has damage to its front bumper. The driver did not remain on scene and detectives are asking anyone in the community with information to contact detectives at 240-773-6620. There were no cameras in the area of the accident.  Police are offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

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MCDOT

Rockville Metrorail Station Westside Will Experience Temporary Bus Stop Closures, Effective Monday, Oct. 31 – Tuesday, Dec. 27

By Patrick Herron

Fare collection resumed on all Montgomery County Ride On buses on Aug. 1. The one-way pre-pandemic fare, which was $2 per ride, is now $1 for all Ride On buses including the Flash. Monthly passes, which were $45 per rider, are now $22.50.

Passengers using Montgomery County’s Ride On buses are encouraged to wear a mask but are no longer required to wear them. Masks are available on all buses for riders who need them. Bus interiors will continue to be cleaned by the County’s Department of General Services with hospital-grade disinfectant. Bus filter and ventilation systems are also treated with a disinfectant.

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Maryland

State of Maryland Holds Statewide Cybersecurity Tabletop Exercise

By Patrick Herron

“These tabletop exercises are another prime example of our administration’s efforts to coordinate cybersecurity preparedness and response across the entire state,” said Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, who took part in the exercise. “The importance of exercises of this nature and the collaboration between all of the participants cannot be overstated.”

Attendees worked through a cybersecurity scenario that simulated a real-life cyber incident and tested the plans and processes of state organizations. The scenario was developed in collaboration with the State Chief Information Security Officer (SCISO), State Chief Data Officer, State Chief Privacy Officer, and exercise planners from MDEM.

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