Rockville

Signage up at the upcoming Homesense at 12013 Rockville Pike in Rockville, the former site of A.C. Moore. Homesense is owned by the same company that owns HomeGoods, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx. Cosmopolitan magazine describes Homesense as “HomeGoods on steroids.” The chain sells furniture, rugs, lighting, kitchenware, home décor, and books.

According to it’s website, “We travel the world to bring savvy home curators an ever-changing selection and exceptional savings for every corner of their home,” and “explore a new home décor store with aisles of unexpected finds, and an ever-changing selection of famous brands and global discoveries—all with genuine value. Homesense is part of the HomeGoods family.” No opening date has been announced.


Gaithersburg

The special needs students in the SCB (School Community Based) program have been working hard creating a garden that is a peaceful place for all students and staff to enjoy while connecting to nature. Students play an important role in maintaining the garden.  They have been learning critical life skills and job skills while integrating functional reading and math skills into this year-long project.

To learn more about the Monarch Sister Schools program, visit www.MonarchSisterSchools.org


Silver Spring

Metro Transit Police are investigating a shooting in the 8400 block of Colesville Road, according to a tweet by Montgomery County Police. At this time, there is heavy police presence in this area and as a result, the Silver Spring Metro is currently closed for both bus and train service until further notice.

Red Line Delay: Trains are temporarily bypassing Silver Spring due to a police investigation. Shuttles buses requested.


Gaithersburg

Corner Pizza & Subs at 18503 N Frederick Ave. will be holding a soft opening on Saturday, May 14, with the official grand opening scheduled for June 3. The restaurant is located in the former Jasmine Bakery Café location (that was previously home to Classic Bakery) in the Gaithersburg shopping center that is also home to Brewster’s Ice Cream. We spoke with owners Nishade and Prabath who told us that the restaurant will specialize in what’s sometimes referred to as “Maryland Style Pizza“, the rectangular pizza you find at local restaurants like Stained Glass Pub, Continental, Gentleman Jim’s, and 4 Corners Pub. Nishade has worked in pizza restaurants since he came to America from Sri Lanka over twenty years ago.


Health

The booster shots were administered by vaccinators from the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The governor presented a National Nurses Week proclamation to Karen Doyle, the chief nursing officer for UMMC.

Nearly 11.8 Million COVID-19 Vaccinations  Statewide. To date, Maryland has administered nearly 11.8 million COVID-19 vaccines, including more than 2.3 million booster shots. Hundreds of locations across the state continue to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. Find a provider at covidvax.maryland.gov.


Restaurants

HalfSmoke at 36A Maryland Ave. in the Rockville Town Center is expected to open in about three months. Representatives from the restaurant told us that construction and supply chain issues have been the cause for the delay, and that they were originally planning to be open last year.  The new Rockville location will take over the spot that was previously  home to Pandora, American Tap Room, and Austin Grill.  According to the Washington Business Journal, “the  50-employee Rockville location will be 6,000 square feet with 150 seats inside under normal capacity and seating for 30 outside. Baltimore will have 4,000 square feet, with 80 seats inside and 40 outside, and 30 employees.” 

HalfSmoke was the first restaurant of its kind to serve gourmet sausages via an assembly line format. Its sausages and toppings can be fully customized to create over 50,000 variations. The HalfSmoke menu also features craft beer, mac and cheese balls, tater tots, milkshakes, funnel cakes, wine, cocktails, and more.  Earlier this week we reported that the upcoming HalfSmoke location in Montgomery Mall is scheduled to open in “about four weeks.” HalfSmoke will be located in a kiosk in the food terrace that was the former home of Coldstone Creamery and more recently Gelato Galaxy. This will be the first restaurant/bar in the food court to serve alcohol. The menu will consist of the best selling sausages and sides from their DC location, as well as boozy milkshakes and a funnel cake bar.


Germantown

At approximately 4:20 p.m., 5th District officers responded to Holy Cross Germantown Hospital in the 19800 block of Observation Drive for the report of an individual suffering from a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, officers located 16-year-old, Cesar Segovia of Gaithersburg, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.  Segovia was pronounced dead at the hospital. At approximately 4:40 p.m., 5th District officers responded to the 19700 block of Crystal Rock Drive for the report of a shooting that just occurred. Upon arrival, officers located 21-year-old, Jeffrey Baffour Akowuah of Germantown, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Despite lifesaving efforts by fire rescue, Akowuah was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigation has determined that Akowuah and Segovia met in the area of 19600 Crystal Rock Drive at approximately 4:10 p.m. For reasons unknown at this time, during the encounter, an altercation ensued and Akowuah and Segovia shot each other.


Colesville

On Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at approximately 4:02 p.m., a 3rd District officer was monitoring traffic in the area of east Randolph Road and New Hampshire Avenue  (Colesville) when he received a stolen vehicle alert from this Automated License Plate Reader (LPR). Upon confirming that the 2020 Kia Optima was stolen from Loudoun County, VA, the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle pursuit ended in the area of Sherwood Forest Drive when the driver turned down a dead-end street and fled from the vehicle. A juvenile female passenger remained in the vehicle and was taken into custody by officers.

Officers from the 3rd and 4th Districts and a K9 officer immediately assisted to apprehend the driver.


Gaithersburg

American Fashion is coming to 50 Bureau Dr in the Diamond Square Shopping Center in Gaithersburg, the former location of the Computer Place.  According to signage on the windows, the store will be opening sometime this month. American Fashion was previously located at 9639 Lost Knife Rd in Montgomery Village Crossing. Diamond Square is also home to George’s Hot Pot, Diamond Sushi & Buffet, Madras Place, Giant, Massage Season, and Play More Games.


Gaithersburg

Investigators continue to seek information regarding a house fire that occurred on April 1 around 1am at 16 Marquis Drive in Gaithersburg.  Around 65 Montgomery County firefighters arrived to heavy fire conditions throughout the two-story single family home. Two adults, two children, and one dog were displaced. The home was unoccupied at the time of the fire and there were no injuries reported. Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer reported that  damages totaled over $550K, including $300K to the structure of the home and $250K in contents.

Montgomery County Fire and Explosive Investigators determined that the cause of the fire was incendiary in nature. Anonymous tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477 or call the MCFRS Arson Tipline 240-777-2263. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible. 


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