Three Juveniles Arrested for Attempted Murder of a Police Officer

Per MCPD:
For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 30, 2022
Three 16-year-old males are in custody following a string of residential burglaries and the attempted homicide of a Montgomery County Police officer that occurred in the area of Wisconsin Avenue and I-495.

As the result of a recent residential burglary trend, the Montgomery County Police – 2nd District Investigative Section was conducting follow-up investigations when they obtained footage from a June 21, 2022, burglary that occurred in the 5300 block of Brookeway Drive. The surveillance footage indicated four unknown suspects entered the residence and stole a GMC Yukon SUV, which was subsequently recovered in the area the next day.

On Thursday, June 30, 2022, at approximately 1:20 a.m., officers from the Montgomery County 2^nd District Special Assignment Team responded to the 6000 block of Johnson Avenue for the report of an attempted burglary in progress. Officers from the 2^nd District – Special Assignment Team observed a BMW SUV, matching a previous burglary suspect vehicle form June 21, 2022, leaving the area and initiated surveillance.

During surveillance, the suspect vehicle came to an abrupt stop causing an officer to swerve to avoid hitting the suspect vehicle. At that time, the officer heard three gunshots. The vehicle then passed the officer, firing one last shot. The officer’s vehicle sustained damage from the gunshots. The suspects continued to flee, and a pursuit was initiated at that time. The suspects then lost control of the vehicle in the area of Wisconsin Avenue and I-495. Two suspects were immediately taken into custody following the collision. A search by Montgomery County Police K9 and the Prince George’s County Police helicopter, “Guardian,” helped to locate the third suspect, who was taken into custody. The following suspects were arrested and transported to the 2^nd District Station to be interviewed:

Maynor Josue Bonilla-Flores, age 16 of Northeast Washington, DC

Jason Benitez-Umanzor, age 16 of Northwest Washington, DC

Brad Roca, age 16 of Northwest Washington, DC

Through the course of the investigation, officers determined that these suspects were connected to other residential burglaries and found items of evidentiary value. All three are being charged as adults with attempted murder, first degree assault and first-degree burglary.

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