Crime

Per Takoma Park Police: On April 18 at approximately 4:45 pm, Montgomery County Police called out for a carjacking that had just occurred in Silver Spring; the vehicle was heading into the City of Takoma Park.  At 5:45 pm, Takoma Park officers observed the carjacked vehicle in the 8100 block of Carroll Avenue but lost visual at New Hampshire Avenue and Merrimac Drive.  A few minutes later, the carjacked vehicle was located in the 6300 block of New Hampshire Avenue.  As officers approached the vehicle, three suspects bailed out and tried to flee on foot.  All three suspects were apprehended.  The three suspects were juveniles who were released to the custody of a parent/guardian.  Charges are pending in Montgomery County and Takoma Park.

Investigation continues under case #230018572.  Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


Damascus

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a fire in the 10500blk of Tralee Ter in Damascus on Tuesday, April 18. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the fire originated on the exterior of the three-story townhome and spread to the 2nd fl and attic. The cause of the fire is believed to be an outdoor electrical outlet. Damage is estimated to be ~$120K and there were no injuries reported. Four adults and four children have been displaced. We will post an update if additional information becomes available.

Per @mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “Update (4/18 ~7p) 10500blk Tralee Ter, Damascus; 3-sty TH; exterior fire spread to 2nd fl/attic; Origin/Cause, near floor level elevated deck, vinyl siding, *only ignition source outdoor electrical outlet; Damage ~$120K; 4 adults/4 kids displaced; no injuries; passerby called 911”


MDLottery

The 47-year-old visited the Quince Orchard Shell gas station located at 501 Quince Orchard Road in Gaithersburg, which is near his workplace. He went to the Lottery kiosk and bought one of the $10 bingo-themed scratch-offs. A short while later, he discovered that the scratch-off he selected at random was a $100,000 top-prize winner.

“My body started shaking,” the player told Lottery officials, noting that the shock of his win was too much for him. He immediately called his wife and son to share the great news. The Germantown resident has no definite plans for his prize yet other than paying bills and paying off loans on his cars.


Maryland

With the labor force participation rate at 62.6%, one of the lowest rates in decades, WalletHub today released its report on 2023’s States Where Employers Are Struggling the Most in Hiring, with Maryland coming in at #8 when it comes to “employees struggling the most in hiring.”

In order to see where employers are struggling the most in hiring, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on the rate of job openings for both the latest month and the last 12 months. Maryland Hiring Struggle Stats:


Maryland

Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, received $5.495 million in capital funding for 13 projects from the state of Maryland during the 2023 legislative session. The funding will be used towards park projects in six legislative districts in Montgomery County that include trail and bridge projects, playground and athletic field improvements, sports court and skatepark amenities, community garden and picnic facilities, environmental restoration, and ADA enhancements.   

“Once again, we appreciate the support of the Montgomery County delegation and the entire Maryland General Assembly. These grants will help us deliver needed projects across the county for all our residents to enjoy,” said Mike Riley, director of Montgomery Parks. Capital grant-funded projects for FY 23 include: 


MDLottery

Check your tickets for a $1 million win if you visited 7-Eleven #11572 at 12405 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. Three other players in California, Iowa and Ohio also matched five of the winning numbers in the drawing to capture $1 million second-tier prizes.

The winning numbers to match were 7, 9, 15, 19 and 25; the Mega Ball number was 4 and the optional Megaplier number was 2. Maryland had a total of 11,721 winners in the Tuesday night drawing. Lottery officials encourage all winners to sign the back of their tickets immediately and put them in a safe location until they can claim their prize.


Gaithersburg

The City of Gaithersburg celebrates & honors Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May with programs and a proclamation highlighting the culture, heritage & achievements of our Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander neighbors.

Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Americans are part of the rich tapestry of American life in both our country and the City of Gaithersburg. Nineteen percent of the City’s population is of Asian & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander heritage and can trace their ancestry to 47 countries & territories including China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Afghanistan, India, and Armenia.


Silver Spring

While on scene, officers identified Horton as the suspect and located him a short distance from the scene. Officers transported him to the 3rd District station, where Horton was interviewed. Horton was transported to the Central Processing Unit where he is currently being held without bond.


Silver Spring

Andre is 6-feet tall and weighs 150 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black ripped jeans.  Police and family are concerned for his welfare.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Andre Ricardo White is asked to call the police non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000. Callers may remain anonymous.


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has introduced a new podcast series to help residents and businesses become more familiar with the permitting process. The first episode is now available. The DPS podcast will connect listeners to permitting department staff including permit technicians, building inspectors, plan reviewers, the fire marshal, field supervisors and code compliance staff. All who will be featured on the podcasts are experts in their various fields. Collectively, they are known as “first preventers.” These code officials who will provide the latest information from the department, as well as resources and tips.

“DPS continues to streamline its processes to make the permitting process more efficient for customers and sharing information about these improvements is important,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.  “We are always looking for ways to enhance our communication methods and this new podcast is an innovative way to reach customers on the platforms that they use to keep them informed about DPS programs and services.”


Germantown

Per MCPD: The body of an adult male recovered in Lake Churchill on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, has been identified. Officers were called to the area of Afternoon and Summersong Lanes at approximately 8 a.m., for the report of a body in the water. The body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and identified as 30-year-old Ankit Bagai of Germantown.

Bagai was reported missing and last seen on Sunday, April 9, 2023, at approximately 11:30 a.m., in the 12000 block of Panthers Ridge Drive. No foul play is suspected.