Crime Archives - Page 212 of 238

Air Bag Crime Prevention Information and Tips

Published April 30, 2023 at 8:30PM

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) estimates roughly 50,000 air bags are stolen each year, resulting in an annual loss of more than $50 million to owners and insurance companies. Hondas are the most common target of thieves, because their air bags can be removed in as little as 30 seconds.

Air bags are easy to steal and hide. Thieves resell the stolen air bags on the black market or on internet websites. Unscrupulous collision repair shops purchase the stolen air bags for between $50 to $200 each—which is cheaper than the $1,000 price tag at a dealership—in order to turn a profit, according to the NICB. Some tips to avoid falling victim to air bag thieves, by Takoma Park Police:

Police Respond to Armed Robbery of CVS

By Patrick Herron

Published April 30, 2023 at 9:28AM | Updated April 30, 2023 at 9:55AM

Montgomery County Police responded to an armed robbery of a CVS in Silver Spring on Saturday, April 29. According to MCPD, “the call went out at approximately 7:09 p.m. for a robbery at the CVS at 1290 East West Highway. A male suspect displayed a knife and demanded cash from a store employee. The suspect left with an undisclosed amount of money. Reportedly, the manager chased the suspect as the suspect was attempting to leave the store and received a superficial stab wound. Fire Rescue treated the victim on scene. The victim does not have life-threatening injuries.”

There is currently no suspect in custody. We will post an update if addition information becomes available.

Air Bags Stolen From Multiple Vehicles at Rockville Apartment Complex

By Patrick Herron

Published April 29, 2023 at 8:50PM

Multiple vehicles were broken into early Saturday morning at the Halpine View Apartment complex in Rockville. According to Montgomery County Police, “the call came in at approximately 6:45am this morning […]

Three Arrested for Armed Robbery of 7-Eleven on Shady Grove Road; Photos Released of Additional Person of Interest

By Patrick Herron

Published April 28, 2023 at 11:50AM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division have arrested and charged 21-year-old, Chris Perez, 20-year-old, George Clarence Molina of Gaithersburg, and 25-year-old, Jonathan Schwegler of Germantown with an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, April 14, 2023, at a 7-Eleven in the 15900 block of Shady Grove Road.

The investigation by detectives has revealed that Molina and Perez entered the 7-Eleven at approximately 3 a.m. Perez approached the employee at the counter and demanded he open the cash register. As the employee attempted to open the drawer, Perez struck him in the head with a handgun. Perez then stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the drawer and left the store with Molina, who had been acting as a lookout. Molina and Perez drove away in a red Toyota, driven by Schwegler.

Officer Injured After Being Dragged by Robbery Suspect in Vehicle at Germantown Wegmans

By Patrick Herron

Published April 28, 2023 at 9:24AM

A Montgomery County Police Officer was injured after responding to the Wegmans at 20600 Seneca Meadows Pkwy in Germantown on Thursday, April 27. According to MCPD, the officer responded to the Wegmans for a theft call which led to a brief foot chase between the officer and suspect. The suspect got into his car and attempted to drive away. The officer grabbed hold of the suspect as the suspect sat in the driver’s seat and the suspect began to drive away, briefly dragging the officer. The officer let go, but injured his hand and arm and was was transported to an area hospital as a precaution. The suspect got away.

We will post an update if additional information becomes available.

Maryland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Threatening a Member of Congress Via an Event Management Website

By MCS Staff

Published April 28, 2023 at 8:49AM

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett today sentenced Justin Kuchta, age 40, of Annapolis, Maryland, to four months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for threatening to murder a United States Member of Congress.

According to his plea agreement, Kuchta made threats to murder a Member of the U.S. Congress. Specifically, a U.S. Member of Congress’ district office in Texas reported that on July 18, 2022, it received a threatening message via an event management website. The website was being used by an event planner to coordinate an event held in the State of Missouri, being attended by Member of Congress 1. The Subject line of that email read, in relevant part: “Rally in Missouri – Featured Guest [Member of Congress 1], [Individual 1], and [Individual 2].” The message stated, “Thank you for the address!!! I’m coming to murder all of you Satanist f*ckers!!! Especially the chuckle-f*ck Zodiak [sic] Killer [Member of Congress 1]!! That fat fake f*cker ass will be the first on the gallows!! SEE ALL OF YOU F*CKERS REALLY SOON!!! With my fresh militia and weapons!!! Thanks for the info f*ckers!!!” The Member of Congress’ Washington office reported that a similar message was sent on July 22, 2022, using the same event management website.

Juveniles Involved in Stolen Auto and Attempted Stolen Auto

By MCS Staff

Published April 27, 2023 at 7:20PM

Per Takoma Park Police: On April 25 at approximately 5:31 pm on Wednesday, Takoma Park Police responded to the unit block of Hickory Avenue for an auto theft in progress. Arriving officers interrupted four juveniles as they attempted to steal a red Hyundai. The vehicle window was already broken, and the ignition was punched out.

Two of the juveniles jumped into another blue Hyundai, reversed into the red one they were trying to steal, and fled the area making good their escape. The remaining two juveniles attempted to flee on foot but were immediately apprehended by responding officers. They were identified as 14-year-old juveniles who were later released into the custody of their parents.

Postal Worker Robbed at Gunpoint in Olney

By Patrick Herron

Published April 26, 2023 at 4:51PM

A United States Postal Service mail carrier was robbed on Wednesday, April 26 in Olney. According to Montgomery County Police, “At approximately 2 p.m., MCPD responded to the 3100 block of St. Florence Terrace for the report of an armed robbery of a mail carrier. No injuries have been reported. No suspects in custody.” The US Postal Inspection Service will be handling the investigation. According to DC Realtime News, the carrier had their mail keys taken by an individual armed with a gun.

We will post an update when additional information is available. Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.

Park Police Arrest Man Found With “AR-15 Style Rifle” at Cabin John Tennis Center

By MCS Staff

Published April 26, 2023 at 3:14PM

On Tuesday night, Montgomery County Park Police officers encountered a suspicious vehicle at the Cabin John Tennis Center after hours. Officers observed loaded rifle magazines on the floorboard and a search of the vehicle yielded an AR-15 style rifle. The driver was prohibited from possessing a firearm and was arrested.

Last night officers encountered a suspicious vehicle at the Cabin John Tennis Center after hours. Officers observed loaded rifle magazines on the floorboard, a search of the vehicle yielded an AR-15 style rifle. The driver was prohibited from possessing a firearm and was arrested pic.twitter.com/As1nIJtwzP

Defendant Faces Potential of Life in Prison for Rape of 9-Year-Old Girl

By MCS Staff

Published April 25, 2023 at 4:31PM

Per the Office of the Montgomery County State’s Attorney: In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before Jusge Michael McAuliffe, a jury has convicted defendant, Joshua Grice, 30, of Washington D.C., on charges of first-degree rape and first-degree burglary-home invasion for breaking into a Takoma Park home and sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl who was asleep in her bedroom.

Grice faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison and the potential of a life sentence. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 22, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. The verdict came back late yesterday afternoon after a six-day trial prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney’s Frank Lazzaro and Daniela Chavez.

Shoplifting Arrest Leads to Discovery of Fentanyl-Laced OxyContin Pills

By MCS Staff

Published April 24, 2023 at 6:00AM | Updated April 24, 2023 at 8:24AM

Chief Antonio DeVaul from the Takoma Park Police Department announced the arrest of Ever Umanzor-Martinez, 22, of Hyattsville, Maryland, for Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) Oxycontin pills laced with suspected Fentanyl, as well as shoplifting.

On April 22, at approximately 3:50 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to the 1300 block of University Blvd., Takoma Park, Maryland (Walgreens), for the report of a shoplifting in progress. Officers arrived and made contact with Umanzor-Martinez. After a search incident to arrest, Umanzor-Martinez was found to be in possession of CDS Oxycontin pills laced with suspected Fentanyl. Umanzor-Martinez was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit and charged accordingly. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.