Bethesda Archives - Page 164 of 277

Detectives Investigate Woodmont Ave Attempted Carjacking

Published May 2, 2023 at 4:03PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating an attempted carjacking that occurred in the 7900 block of Woodmont Avenue at approximately 7 p.m., on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Detectives have released video of the suspects and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying them.

The investigation by detectives has determined that the victim was leaving a restaurant in the 7900 block of Woodmont Avenue. Upon arriving to his vehicle and opening the rear passenger door, two unknown black male suspects approached him and began to punch him in the face. After striking him multiple times, the suspects demanded the victim’s car keys. One of the suspects then opened the driver’s door to the vehicle and discovered that the vehicle was not running. Good Samaritans from inside the restaurant began to witness the assault and went outside to assist the victim. At that time, the suspects left the scene and headed towards the Bethesda Metro Station.

Detectives Continue to Investigate Bethesda Strongarm Robbery; Surveillance Video Released

By Patrick Herron

Published May 2, 2023 at 1:36PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Investigative Section are investigating a robbery that occurred on Friday, March 31, 2023. Detectives have released surveillance video of the suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him. The initial investigation has revealed that the victim was walking in the area of Pearl Street and East West Highway when the suspect approached the victim, displayed a knife and demanded her bag. The suspect then yanked the bag away from the victim and ran towards Wisconsin Avenue. The suspect then used credit cards stolen from the victim at area businesses.

Detectives reviewed the surveillance footage and obtained a description of the suspect. The suspect is described as a Black male, medium build, wearing a green and blue hooded jacket, blue pants, hiking shoes and a mask.

The 10 Best Restaurants in MoCo, According to ChatGPT

By MCS Staff

Published May 2, 2023 at 7:23AM | Updated May 2, 2023 at 6:59PM

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot developed by OpenAI and released in November 2022. We asked it to tell us the “10 best restaurants in Montgomery County, MD.” Three of the restaurants on ChatGPT’s list are no longer open, but the AI chatbot did provide a disclaimer that it doesn’t have access to the most current data. Here’s the response we received:

“As an AI language model, I don’t have access to the most current data or information about restaurants in Montgomery County, MD. However, here are ten restaurants that have received high ratings from various sources:

Man Sentenced to Life in Prison For Murdering His Former Boss

By MCS Staff

Published May 1, 2023 at 7:24PM

Per the Office of the Montgomery County State’s Attorney: Defendant, Billy Phillips, sentenced today to life plus 65 years for the murder of his former boss, Geoffrey Biddle, inside Biddle’s Bethesda home.

For a period of time, Geoffrey Biddle had trusted the defendant to work for his company, and the defendant abused that trust by using what he learned during his employment to plan his vicious, premeditated attack. According to witnesses, Billy Phillips was fired from his job in April 2021 for fraud and was in financial despair. On June 23rd, 2021, the defendant terrorized Biddle inside Biddle’s own basement and ultimately shot him four times, the final shot being close range to the victim’s head. Phillips had disabled Biddle’s car to prevent him from trying to escape. He also impersonated Biddle via email to excuse Biddle’s absence from work. Hours after the murder, Phillips was cashing forged checks from the victim’s bank account. When he was arrested, the victim’s bank card and checkbook were in his car.

Suspect Apprehended by Police After Fleeing Scene of Hit and Run

By Patrick Herron

Published May 1, 2023 at 5:44PM | Updated May 1, 2023 at 7:05PM

Montgomery County Police responded to the scene of a hit-and-run collision on Monday, May 1 in Bethesda. According to MCPD, “the call was received at approximately 3:35 p.m. 2nd District officers responded to the 7800 block of Wisconsin Ave., for the report of a hit-and-run collision, involving two vehicles. The driver of the striking vehicle got out and ran. Officers circulated the area and found the suspect nearby, where he was taken into custody.

There were no injuries were reported. We will post an update if additional information becomes available.

Progress at Upcoming Colony Grill Location

By MCS Staff

Published May 1, 2023 at 3:55PM

Last summer we let you know that Colony Grill, a popular Connecticut Pizza restaurant offering “bar pies”, is expanding into Maryland with its upcoming location at Cabin John Village in Potomac. Over two years ago, the New England-style hot oil bar pizza spot opened a nearby location in Arlington (2800 Clarendon Blvd). The menu is simple- Drinks on one side and pizza/toppings on the other. Pizzas range from $10.50 to $13.50, according to the Arlington location’s menu. While an opening date has not yet been set, the restaurant could open by the end of spring. Progress photos below:

MoCo Business Returns to Shark Tank for Update on Friday, May 5

By MCS Staff

Published May 1, 2023 at 3:39PM

Bethesda-based clothing line Collars & Co. was featured on the November 11 episode of Shark Tank on ABC. Many may have seen the clothing company’s signature item, the “Dress Collar Polo”, a buttery soft polo with a standard English spread collar that is said to be more comfortable than a normal collared shirt. Collar & Co went on Shark Tank seeking $300K for 4% equity at a $7.5 Million valuation from the sharks and ended up striking a deal. The business will return on the May 5th edition of Shark Tank for a business update. More below on how their initial Shark Tank appearance went:

According to its website, Collars & Co.’s mission is to “provide men and women with extremely high quality clothing that not only looks great, but feels amazing as well.” The business sells shirts, sweaters, underwear, and accessories. Bethesda resident Justin Baer presented his product, asking for $300K for a 4% equity (valuation of $7.5M). The business launched in 2021 and went viral on TikTok, leading to 500 orders off the bat and $40K in revenue the first month after the video’s release.

Organic Butcher to Hold Grand Opening Event

By Patrick Herron

Published May 1, 2023 at 1:54PM | Updated May 1, 2023 at 7:18PM

The Organic Butcher, which opened in March at 7925 Old Georgetown Rd in Bethesda, has announced it will hold a grand opening event on Saturday, May 6, from 10am-6pm that will feature free samples of house-made meats, local beer, wine, and more. The Organic Butcher took over the space that was previously occupied by French restaurant Le Vieux Logis. Modeled after the old-fashioned English butcher shops, The Organic Butcher is a full-service, traditional butcher shop with its first shop located in McLean, VA.

According to a press release, “in addition to the freshest cuts, they have house-prepared meats, sausages, prepared foods, produce and fresh bread delivered daily from a Baked Joint. As well as a large selection of local craft beers, boutique wines, artisan cheese and unique grocery items. Home chefs can pick up a wagyu ribeye, and all the herbs and spices you would need. Interested in bison, venison — ostrich! — The Organic Butcher has that, too. There is always an experienced butcher behind the counter to help you select the perfect cut of meat, game, poultry or seafood as well as provide you information on the farms and cooking tips on how to best prepare your purchases in your own kitchen.”

Police and Family Concerned For Welfare of Missing 11 and 15-Year-Old Brothers

By MCS Staff

Published May 1, 2023 at 7:08AM | Updated May 1, 2023 at 2:00PM

15-year-old Sean and 11-year-old Santino Jones were last seen on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at approximately 10 p.m. near the area of Bethesda Lane and Bethesda Avenue. Sean is approximately 5-feet, 8-inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on right arm and was last seen wearing black jeans and carrying a backpack. Santino is approximately 4-feet, 9-inches tall and weighs 135 pounds. He wears his hair in short locs and has brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black shirt and mint green sweatpants. Police and family are concerned for their welfare.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Sean and Santino Jones is asked to call the police non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line) or the Special Victims Investigations Division at (240) 773-5400. Callers may remain anonymous.

Three People Rescued From Medical Center Metro Elevator Friday Evening

By MCS Staff

Published April 28, 2023 at 8:16PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for three people trapped inside of an elevator at Medical Center Station in Bethesda shortly before 7pm on Friday evening.

According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the elevator was stuck 90 feet from the top and 30 feet from the bottom. Three people were trapped inside, with at least one of the people having a medical condition that “may preclude the most common ways of extrication.” The technical rescue was successful, per a 7:23pm update, with all three people successfully extricated. No further medical attention was needed, “everybody is OK.” Featured photo courtesy of WMATA.

Green Paint Installation Now Complete on Old Georgetown Rd Bike Lanes

By MCS Staff

Published April 28, 2023 at 2:22PM

Roadwork is now complete on MD 187 (Old Georgetown Road) as MDOT SHA crews have finished the installation of the green paint on the MD 187 (Old Georgetown Road) bike lanes. Last October the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) announced that it started a project to significantly improve safety for bicyclists and motorists on nearly two miles of MD 187 (Old Georgetown Road) in North Bethesda. The changes on MD 187, between south of I-495 (Capital Beltway) and Nicholson Lane, converted one travel lane in each direction in order to add buffered bicycle lanes and the installation of flex posts to outline the new bicycle lanes.

The addition of the bike lanes has been met with mixed reviews with a petition opposing the bike lanes receiving over 8,000 signatures and a petition created in response, supporting the bike lanes, receiving over 2,000 signatures. A rally was also held, in January, in support of the Old Georgetown Rd safety improvements. Featured photo courtesy of the ‘Support the SHA redesign of Old Georgetown Road’ petition.