Crime Archives - Page 195 of 238

Detectives Ask for Public’s Assistance Identifying Suspects From August 1 Shooting

Published August 11, 2023 at 2:34PM

The preliminary investigation has determined that at approximately 4 p.m., four Black males and a separate lone Black male began shooting at each other in the 1500 block of November Circle. The lone male, wearing a white tank top, black shorts, white socks and dark shoes ran towards April Lane. Detectives believe he then entered a grey Honda Accord with heavy tint, which was then seen speeding through the parking lot. At the same time, the group of males, wearing all dark clothing, circled around a building on November Circle, shot off an additional round and then ran towards the White Oak Recreation Center.

Teens Arrested After Side Swiping Police Cruiser in Stolen Vehicle Friday Morning in Germantown

By MCS Staff

Published August 11, 2023 at 2:06PM

This morning at approximately 7:44 a.m., officers responded to the area of the Fox Chapel Shopping Center in Germantown for the report of multiple individuals attempting to break into vehicles. […]

Montgomery County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison After Attempting to Persuade 14-Year-Old to Participate in Sexual Activity

By MCS Staff

Published August 11, 2023 at 7:01AM

Per the Office of the United States Attorney, District of Washington DC: Jonathan Willis, 37, of North Bethesda, Maryland, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Special Agent in Charge Emily Odom, of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division.

Willis pleaded guilty on March 15, 2023, in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. According to the government’s evidence, on March 31, 2022, the defendant began communicating with a 14-year-old minor victim who resided in Washington, D.C. using Snapchat. The defendant offered to pay the victim money in exchange for sexually explicit photographs. Over a two-week period, the defendant sent the fourteen-year-old girl multiple photos of his penis and of himself masturbating, and repeatedly asked her to come to his residence in Maryland to “make love.” The victim refused and reported the defendant’s communications to law enforcement. On May 12, 2022 and May 24, 2022, an undercover officer assumed the victim’s identity on Snapchat. On both occasions, the defendant requested sexually explicit photographs of the 14-year-old girl, sent her photos and videos of his penis, and attempted to persuade her to travel to Maryland for sexual activity.

Suspect Arrested for Gaithersburg Bank Robbery

By Patrick Herron

Published August 10, 2023 at 12:34PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – have charged 33-year-old John Reynolds of an unknown address, with the bank robbery of the TD Bank that occurred on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, in the 800 block of West Diamond Avenue in Gaithersburg.

At approximately 2:23 p.m., Montgomery County Police and Gaithersburg Police officers responded to the location for the report of a bank robbery. The investigation has revealed that Reynolds entered the bank, approached an employee who was working behind the counter and demanded money. Reynolds then jumped over the counter, removed an undisclosed amount of money from a drawer and placed it inside of a bag. Reynolds left the bank in a silver Hyundai.

MS-13 Member from Montgomery County Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy Including Murder

By MCS Staff

Published August 9, 2023 at 3:15PM

Per the Office of the United States Attorney, District of Maryland: MS-13 member Kevin Alexander Castillo Calderon, a/k/a “Fantasma,” “Ghost,” “Eterno,” and “Josue Argueta Gonzalez,” age 25, of Colesville, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to a racketeering conspiracy, including a murder.

According to court documents, the La Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as “MS-13,” is an international criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating in the State of Maryland, including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Frederick County, as well as throughout the United States. In Maryland and elsewhere, MS-13 members are organized into “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region. MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence, both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang and against rival gangs. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible. Participation in criminal activity by a member, particularly in violent acts directed at rival gangs or as directed by gang leadership, increases the respect accorded to that member, resulting in that member maintaining or increasing his position in the gang and opens the door to promotion to a leadership position.

Police: Tips to Safeguard Your Car and Prevent Theft

By MCS Staff

Published August 8, 2023 at 11:38PM

Per Takoma Park Police: The City of Takoma Park Police Department would like to remind residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard their vehicles from theft. As a trusted partner in community safety, we are committed to providing you with essential tips to help protect your vehicles and reduce the risk of theft.

According to the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHSTA), more than one million motor vehicles were stolen in 2022, with more than 250,000 reported to law enforcement. Historically, passenger cars made up approximately 74% of all stolen motor vehicles. In fact, a motor vehicle was stolen every 32 seconds in the United States in 2022. There are numerous antitheft systems and devices designed to make vehicles more difficult to steal or easier to trace and recover. Here are how some of them work:

Police Department Urges Community to Report Suspicious Activity

By MCS Staff

Published August 8, 2023 at 11:26PM

Per The Takoma Park Police Department: “The Takoma Park Police Department is committed to fighting theft from auto, burglaries and theft of all types in our community. Our number one goal is to protect lives and property through proactive measures to make our community a safe place to live, work or visit.

The biggest help a community can give its police force is information, when you see something out of the ordinary, suspicious person(s), or vehicle(s), call and report it. The fact of the matter is that we cannot be everywhere at once; we need your eyes and ears to help us in our efforts of making our community as safe and crime free as possible.

Beyond MoCo: Police Investigating State Prison Inmate Homicide

By Patrick Herron

Published August 8, 2023 at 9:36AM

Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police investigators are continuing an investigation into the death of a state prison inmate in Allegany County. The inmate is identified as Moise Louis, 34. Louis was declared deceased by emergency medical service personnel. He was a state prison inmate serving time at the Western Correctional Institution in Cumberland. A suspect, also an inmate, has been identified. He is being held in another location within the Division of Correction. He has not been charged at this time and is not being identified until charges are placed.

Shortly after 12:00 noon today, the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit was contacted by investigators from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigative Unit (DPSCS IIU) about an inmate death. Investigators told State Police Louis was found in his cell with multiple injuries. State Police Homicide Unit investigators are continuing the investigation. Assistance has been provided by State Police crime scene technicians and investigators with the DPSCS Internal Investigative Unit. Upon completion, the investigation will be presented to the Allegany County State’s Attorney’s Office for review regarding charges. The investigation continues.

Police Respond to Shooting Late Monday Night

By MCS Staff

Published August 7, 2023 at 11:37PM

At approximately 10:09 p.m., Montgomery County Police officers responded to the 14000 block of Castle Blvd. In Fairland for the report of a shooting.

According to police, “the preliminary investigation has revealed that a shooting occurred at the location. An adult male was struck in the arm and transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Approximately 3 apartments were also struck by the rounds. There are suspects in custody. The scene is secured. There is no current threat to the public.”

Police Respond to Armed Carjacking in Wheaton Monday Night

By MCS Staff

Published August 7, 2023 at 11:07PM

At approximately 10:04 p.m., Montgomery County Police officers responded to the 11400 block of Georgia Ave. in Wheaton for the report of a carjacking that just occurred. The

According to police, the preliminary investigation has revealed that two armed suspects stole a vehicle from a victim at the location and left the scene. No injuries have been reported. We will have an update if additional information becomes available. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

12-Year-Old Child Shot in The Foot in Germantown Late Sunday Night

By MCS Staff

Published August 7, 2023 at 6:53AM

At approximately 11:22 p.m., Montgomery Counry Police responded to the 12700 block of Sesame Seed Court for the report of a shooting.

According to police, the preliminary investigation has revealed that shots were fired near the location and one of the rounds struck the foot of a 12 year old female who was inside her residence. The victim was transported to an area hospital with non life threatening injuries. No suspects in custody. The scene is secured.