Crime

Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes detectives are looking for a 16-year-old wanted in connection with the shooting death of a Damascus man killed on Father’s Day. Isaiah Jamael Brown-Hawkins is accused of shooting and killing 32-year-old James Joel Austin on Sunday, June 18 in the 9800 block of Bethesda Church Road in Damascus.

At approximately 9:58 p.m., 5th District officers responded to the address for calls of a shooting. Officers located the victim in the parking lot of the apartment complex with an apparent gunshot wound. Austin was pronounced dead at the scene. Brown-Hawkins drove away in a Honda that was located in Washington, DC, however Brown-Hawkins has not been found.


Aspen Hill

The Montgomery County Department of Police – 4th District Investigative Section is looking for a 65-year-old missing from Aspen Hill.

65-year-old David Ways was last seen on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at approximately 10:30 p.m., leaving his residence on Hewitt Ave. He is 5’4″, 145 lbs, gray hair, and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, khaki pants and black/white Nike shoes. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of David Ways is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).


Arts

The Blair Witch Project was released on this day in 1999, 24 years ago– the first installment of the Blair Witch franchise.  Did you know The Blair Witch Project was primarily filmed right here in Montgomery County?

In the indie supernatural horror, three film students camp in the fictional Black Hills Forest of Burkittsville, Maryland in October of 1994 to film a documentary on the local legend of the Blair Witch. Mysteriously, the trio vanishes, leaving behind hours of footage to be discovered a year later by University of Maryland anthropology students. What the viewer witnesses is this purportedly real home video style footage.


Sponsored

It’s Asian American Pacific Islander Month, and what better way to celebrate the culture than to immerse oneself at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival outside of Annapolis on May 31st?

Or didn’t get enough Irish last month? Two of the biggest Irish acts returns to the stage with Gaelic Storm and Carbon Leaf. See below for more details and information!

All events are family-friendly, packed with food, live music, interactive experiences, and now even more ways to get active.

To kick things off, you can save 20% on tickets with code MOCOSHOW (valid through May 31 for general admission tickets).

2026 Festival Lineup

Annapolis Irish Festival

May 29 & 30

Experience the spirit of Ireland right here in Annapolis with two days of live music, great food, and high-energy performances. Headlined by internationally recognized acts like Scythian, Gaelic Storm, and Carbon Leaf, the Annapolis Irish Festival blends traditional Irish culture with modern rock festival vibes.

Haven’t heard of Gaelic Storm? Are you sure? They were the band in James Cameron’s Titanic and went from local stars to national powerhouses. We are lucky to have them right here in Maryland so don’t miss out!

Enjoy Guinness, Irish whiskey tastings, craft beverages, local vendors, and nonstop entertainment in a setting that brings thousands together to celebrate Irish heritage.

Anne Arundel Asian American Festival

May 31

Celebrate culture, community, and cuisine at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival, a vibrant showcase of food, performances, and traditions from across Asia!

Come hungry and enjoy authentic dishes from a wide range of vendors, cultural performances throughout the day, and interactive experiences for all ages. This family-friendly event highlights the diversity and energy of the Asian American community during AAPI Heritage Month.

Food vendors include:

Namit Filipino, Ekiben, Bun’d Up, E-San Thai, MD Brad Butcher and Central Asian dishes, Thai Pinto, Pho Wheels, and The Sister House! (more…)


Event

Join Kaiser Permanente for Healthy at the Harbor, a free community health and wellness event taking place Saturday, June 6, from 11 am to 4 pm at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bring your family and friends for free full day of fun, fitness, and preventive care along the waterfront.

Throughout the day, Kaiser Permanente nurses and physicians will offer no-cost health screenings, alongside a health and wellness expo focused on preventive care education. A lively Kids’ Zone will keep children active and entertained with spin-art bikes, face painting, balloon art, games, and more.


Maryland

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced 100 matching grants totaling $5 million awarded to Maryland nonprofits, local jurisdictions, and other heritage tourism organizations by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. Grant funds support heritage tourism projects and activities that attract visitors and expand economic development and tourism-related jobs throughout Maryland.

“Heritage tourism boosts local economies, connects people to their past, and elevates them in the present,” said Gov. Moore. “My administration is proud to support a diverse offering of place-based experiences and new partnerships as we work to enrich the lives of Maryland residents and visitors.”


Maryland

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced that Vegetable and Butcher, a subscription-based food delivery service, is relocating its headquarters to Maryland. The company is moving from Washington, D.C. to a 32,000 square-foot Class A industrial space at 6001 Fallard Drive in Upper Marlboro.

“We are ecstatic to welcome Vegetable and Butcher to the Prince George’s County business community,” said Gov. Moore. “The company has a strong commitment to working with farmers and growers while providing nourishing meals to families throughout the region. Its mission is admirable and we are proud to have the company select Maryland for its new headquarters location.”


Bethesda

Bethesda Urban Partnership is holding a free event on Fridays mornings from 11:30am – 1:00pm called “Concerts for Kids!”The concerts are held at the Norfolk Avenue Streetery, which is located on the corner of Norfolk & St. Elmo Avenues. Currently scheduled to perform are:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuUmhLeNdP5/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==


Crime

Montgomery County Police are investigating a homicide that occurred last night in White Oak. According to MCPD, “At approximately 11:02 p.m. on Thursday, July 13, 3rd District officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Heather Hollow Circle for a vehicle collision.

Upon arrival, officers found several cars that had been hit and the driver of the vehicle suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.  The male driver was transported to an area hospital, where he later died. There is no suspect information at this time and no one in custody.” We will post an update when additional information is available.


Gaithersburg

UPDATE: Aiden Offutt has been located safe and unharmed. The Montgomery County Department of Police Special Victims Investigations Division is looking for a 10-year-old missing from Montgomery Village.

10 year-old Aiden Offutt was last seen on Stedwick Road and Watkins Mill Road in Montgomery Village on Thursday July 13, 2023, around 6:45 P.M. He is 4-feet, 10-inches tall, 90 lbsx with short black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a white t-shirt, black/yellow sneakers and carrying a red hooded sweatshirt.


Crime

Per the office of the Montgomery County State’s Attorney: “Today, in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before the Honorable Harry Storm, defendant, Jackson Garcia, 20, of Silver Spring, was convicted by a jury on charges of First-Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in Commission of Crime of Violence, Armed Robbery and Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery. Garcia faces the potential of life in prison when he is sentenced on February 16th, 2024.

This stems from an incident on February 17th, 2022, at the intersection of Bradley Avenue and Fletcher Place in Rockville, where officers with Montgomery County Police and Rockville City Police found 22-year-old Jose Osvaldo Genao Romero suffering from a gunshot wound. He later died at an area hospital. A police investigation led to the arrests of Garcia and a co-defendant, the accused shooter, Malik D. Jefferson, 24 of Silver Spring. Jefferson is scheduled for trial on January 22nd, 2024.


Events

Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company is teaming up with Special Olympics Maryland to host the Pint Size Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, July 15th from 12:00 to 5:00 pm as a 6-month kickoff to the 2024 MSP Polar Bear Plunge. The family-friendly event is filled with food, drinks, music from SOMD athletes, and plunge activities. Enter mini polar bears into the plunge for a chance to win prizes, bid in a silent auction, and try to win discounted food and drinks. All proceeds benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Maryland. Tickets available here.

Per Lone Oak: BUY A BEAR, WIN A PRIZE MAYBE! We can’t guarantee that you will win Caps Tickets ON THE GLASS, $500 Cash, an Ocean City Trip, a Deep Creek Dunk Trip, or a TopGolf Package at the Pint Size Polar Bear Plunge, but you definitely have a chance! Buying a bear is your key to scoring one of these great prizes, and let us give you a tip – the more bears you buy, the better your odds! You don’t have to be present to win your prize, all winners will be notified following the event.