Crime Archives - Page 208 of 238

Beyond MoCo: Fifteen People Indicted in Dangerous Prison Contraband Conspiracy Involving Drones, Hospitals, and a Staff Member at Roxbury Correctional Institution in Hagerstown

Published May 26, 2023 at 3:43AM

Per the Office of Maryland Attorney General, Anthony G. Brown: Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today announced that fifteen people have been indicted in three different prison contraband conspiracies in connection to inmates at Roxbury Correctional Institution (RCI) in Hagerstown, Maryland. The investigation unveiled a sophisticated criminal network that employed drones, a correctional officer, and a hospital, allowing the distribution of dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, and a wide array of contraband such as cell phones, tools, and other illicit items. This is the second major announcement of multiple indictments in prison contraband smuggling schemes in just the past six weeks.

“Our Intelligence and Investigative team did a great job collecting information to build a strong case that we could present to our partners in the Attorney General’s office for prosecution,” said Carolyn J. Scruggs, Secretary of the MD Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. “Anytime contraband is introduced into one of our facilities, it places our staff and the incarcerated in danger. We will not tolerate contraband because it can lead to violence.”

Rockville Police Continues To Seek Information on Identity of Robbery Suspects

By MCS Staff

Published May 25, 2023 at 6:31PM

Per Rockville Police: RCPD continues to seek information relating to the identity of two suspects wanted in connection with an attempted robbery at the Exxon Gas Station in the 200 block of N. Washington St. on May 22, 2033 at 8:15 p.m.

At approximately 8:15 p.m. two unknown men approached a customer who was filling up their car with gas, one man produced a handgun, and demanded the victim’s keys. The victim refused and drew attention to nearby customers as to what was happening. The two suspects fled south on N. Washington St. without obtaining the vehicle or any personal property. Video surveillance was obtained of the two suspects wanted in connection with this incident.

Seven Suspects Using Stolen Kia Steal From Target and Sephora

By Patrick Herron

Published May 25, 2023 at 10:43AM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating two thefts at department stores that were committed by seven suspects who used a stolen Kia to commit these crimes. Detectives have released surveillance photos of the suspects and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying them.

On Friday, April 28, 2023, 2nd District officers responded to Sephora in the 5300 block of Western Ave. in Chevy Chase for the report of a theft. The investigation by detectives has revealed that the seven suspects walked into the store, placed merchandise in shopping bags and ran out of the store without paying. The suspects then left the scene in a black Kia bearing Washington, D.C. license plate GC-5918.

16-Year-Old Suspect Arrested for Wheaton Metro Homicide; 14-Year-Old Also Arrested

By Patrick Herron

Published May 24, 2023 at 8:25PM

Per MCPD: Gaithersburg teen has been arrested and charged with murder, in connection with the shooting death of an 18-year-old inside of the Wheaton Metro station on Thursday, May 18, 2023. 16-year-old Emmanuel Leonard Simmonds is accused of shooting and killing Tenneson Vaughn Leslie, Jr., of Greenbelt, on the Metro train platform following an altercation. Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes detectives learned that Simmonds and other juvenile males were on the escalator, along with Leslie, Jr., and a group of friends, when a physical altercation between the two groups occurred.

The altercation escalated and Simmonds allegedly shot Leslie, Jr. before boarding a train and leaving the scene. Detectives were able to identify Simmonds as the shooter, and a warrant for his arrest was requested. Simmonds is charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is also charged with first-degree assault, reckless endangerment and possession of a loaded handgun. Simmonds has been charged as an adult in this murder.

Rockville Police Issues Safety Reminder for Hyundai and Kia Owners

By MCS Staff

Published May 24, 2023 at 3:43PM

Per Rockville Police: If you are an owner of a 2011-2021 Kia or Hyundai, your vehicle may be at a higher risk for being stolen. Thefts of these vehicles have been on the rise regionally and nationally after tips showing how to start these cars without a key and using a USB cable were posted on social media. While the City of Rockville has not seen a rise in these types of auto thefts, it is important for those whose Kia or Hyundai operates with a metal or steel key to take extra precaution, as this design causes a system flaw which thieves are targeting. The push-to-start vehicles are not at risk. Have a Kia or Hyundai? Here’s what to do?

Detectives Investigate Outlet Drive Shooting

By Patrick Herron

Published May 24, 2023 at 1:00PM

The preliminary investigation by detectives determined that two groups were involved in an argument. At some point during the argument, the suspect fired two shots at the other group. No injuries have been reported. The suspect is described as a Black male, of a dark complexion, approximately 16 to 18-years-old, with short black hair, wearing a white t-shirt with the word “boss” on the front, light blue ripped jeans, and black and white Nike Jordan sneakers. He was also carrying a dark colored drawstring bag.

Traffic Stop in Germantown Leads to Multiple Arrests

By Patrick Herron

Published May 24, 2023 at 11:00AM | Updated May 24, 2023 at 1:02PM

Per MCPD: Officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District – Community Action Team have arrested 28-year-old Humberto Guerra Jr., of Silver Spring, who had two outstanding criminal warrants that stemmed from a traffic stop that occurred on Friday, February 17, 2023. During that stop, an AR-15 was recovered and later determined to be stolen in a burglary from Alexandria, VA.

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, officers observed 29-year-old Maria Argueta of Silver Spring, who they knew had an outstanding warrant for burglary from March 4, 2022, and her brother Guerra Jr. both get into a Grey Honda CR-V at a 7-11 in Germantown along with three other individuals.

Rockville Police Seeks Public’s Assistance Identifying Two in Connection to Attempted Armed Carjacking at Gas Station

By Patrick Herron

Published May 23, 2023 at 3:35PM

Per Rockville Police: Officers from the Rockville City Police Department responded to the Exxon Gas Station in the 200 block of N. Washington Street on May 22, 2023 for the report of an attempted armed robbery. At approximately 8:15 p.m. two unknown men approached a customer who was filling up their car with gas, one man produced a handgun, and demanded the victim’s keys. The victim refused and drew attention to nearby customers as to what was happening. The two suspects fled south on N. Washington St. without obtaining the vehicle or any personal property. Video surveillance was obtained of the two suspects wanted in connection with this incident.

Anyone with information as to the identity of the suspects, or the attempted robbery, is asked to contact the RCPD Criminal Investigations Unit at 240-314-8938 or submit detailed information through the City’s Anonymous Suspicious Activity Report via this link https://www.rockvillemd.gov/FormCenter/Police-3/Suspicious-Activity-Report-41.

Suspect Charged With Theft and Strong Armed Robbery After Shoving Restaurant Server and Not Paying For Meal

By Patrick Herron

Published May 22, 2023 at 2:47PM | Updated May 22, 2023 at 8:02PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Patrol Investigations Unit have arrested and charged 31-year-old Kerrick Omar Miller of an unknown address, with a theft that occurred on Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Bethesda.

At approximately 10:51 p.m., 2nd District officers responded to the location for the report of a theft that occurred earlier. The investigation revealed that the victim, a restaurant employee, had their backpack hanging on a coat rack, near the back of the restaurant. The suspect took the victim’s backpack, went into the men’s bathroom and stole an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect left the backpack under the sink and exited the restaurant.

Former Rockville Police Officer Sentenced To 42 Months In Federal Prison For Possessing Over 12,000 Depictions Of Child Pornography

By MCS Staff

Published May 22, 2023 at 8:35AM

Per the Office of the U.S. Attorney, District of Maryland: U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher today sentenced Daniel Morozewicz, age 38, of Frederick, Maryland, to 42 months in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for possession of child pornography. Judge Gallagher also ordered that Morozewicz must pay $14,000 in restitution.

According to his guilty plea, from September 2020 to January 2021, while employed as a Rockville Police Officer and an Army National Guardsman, Morozewicz received, possessed, and distributed child pornography on the BitTorrent file sharing network. Morozewicz also used multiple electronic devices to download and distribute child pornography involving prepubescent minors.

Arrestee Escapes Police Custody Late Saturday Night

By MCS Staff

Published May 21, 2023 at 9:55PM

Per Takoma Park Police: On May 20 at approximately 11:28 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to the 1300 block of University Blvd. (7-Eleven) for a theft in progress. Upon arrival, the suspect was still in the establishment and was arrested without incident. The suspect was handcuffed and placed in the officer’s cruiser. While the officer continued to investigate the incident, the suspect was able to escape from the marked patrol vehicle and flee on foot.

An arrest warrant was obtained. An attempt to serve the warrant at the suspect’s residence was unsuccessful. The investigation is ongoing. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.