Crime Archives - Page 213 of 238

Maryland MS-13 Gang Leader Pleads Guilty to Participating in a Racketeering Conspiracy, Including Murder

Published April 20, 2023 at 11:05PM

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: Brayan Alexander Torres, a/k/a “Spooky,” age 29, of Adelphi, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday, to a racketeering conspiracy, including murder, related to his participation in the Weedams Locos Salvatrucha clique of the MS-13 gang. Torres admitted that he was the clique’s “First Word” or leader.

On March 24, 2023, co-defendants and MS-13 members and associates Brian Samir Zelaya Mejia, a/k/a “Chispa,” age 25, of Hyattsville, Maryland and Jorge Isaac Argueta Chica, a/k/a “Timido,” age 22, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, also pleaded guilty to their participation in the racketeering conspiracy, including extortion and accessory after the fact of first degree murder.

Boyds Man Sentenced to Over Three Years in Federal Prison for Purchasing and Distributing Drugs Through the Darkweb

By MCS Staff

Published April 20, 2023 at 11:02PM

The Defendant Laundered the Drug Proceeds by Converting Bitcoin into Cash, and Through a Series of Transactions, Transferring the Money into Bank Accounts He Controlled

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Vishesh Aragam Guruprasad, age 31, of Boyds, Maryland yesterday to 42 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for a drug distribution conspiracy involving the purchase and sale of drugs through darkweb marketplaces, and money laundering.

Police Responds to Two Separate Calls For Sound of Shots Fired Late Wednesday Night

By MCS Staff

Published April 20, 2023 at 12:02PM

Takoma Park Police responded to two separate calls for the sound of shots fired at 11:45 and 11:46pm on Wednesday night. Per Takoma Park Police:

On April 19 at approximately 11:45 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to the area of Geneva Avenue and Hilltop Road for a report of possible shots fired reported by multiple callers. Officers from Takoma Park and Park Police canvassed the area on foot for suspects, potential victims and casings with negative results.

Three Juveniles Arrested for Carjacking Tuesday Evening

By MCS Staff

Published April 19, 2023 at 4:38PM

Per Takoma Park Police: On April 18 at approximately 4:45 pm, Montgomery County Police called out for a carjacking that had just occurred in Silver Spring; the vehicle was heading into the City of Takoma Park. At 5:45 pm, Takoma Park officers observed the carjacked vehicle in the 8100 block of Carroll Avenue but lost visual at New Hampshire Avenue and Merrimac Drive. A few minutes later, the carjacked vehicle was located in the 6300 block of New Hampshire Avenue. As officers approached the vehicle, three suspects bailed out and tried to flee on foot. All three suspects were apprehended. The three suspects were juveniles who were released to the custody of a parent/guardian. Charges are pending in Montgomery County and Takoma Park.

Investigation continues under case #230018572. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

Rockville Police Investigating Suspicious Person Who Invited Juvenile To His Home For Candy

By MCS Staff

Published April 16, 2023 at 3:51PM

Per Rockville Police: Suspicious Person Alert – At approximately 9:45 a.m. on April 16, 2023, RCPD responded to the 400 block of Congressional Ln/Montrose Park for the report of a suspicious person. Upon investigation, officers were made aware that an unknown male subject in a wheelchair approached a juvenile and invited him back to his home for candy, the juvenile walked away and reported the encounter to his parents. The subject was described as a white male in his 50’s, wearing all black clothing, a yellow bandana and face mask, in a wheelchair.

RCPD Criminal Investigations Unit is investigating this incident and is asking the public to provide any information as to the identity of the subject and any similar incidents of this nature by calling 240-314-8938 or e-mailing [email protected]. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps

MCPD Respond to Shooting at Pike & Rose Late Saturday Night

By Patrick Herron

Published April 16, 2023 at 10:21AM | Updated April 16, 2023 at 2:34PM

Montgomery County Police responded to reports of a shooting Saturday night at Pike & Rose. According to MCPD, “At approximately 11:50 p.m., MCPD responded to the area of Pike and Rose for the report of a shooting. Preliminarily investigation revealed a dispute occurred inside a restaurant. The male subjects left the restaurant. Shots were fired. No injuries were reported. Items of evidentiary value were recovered at the scene. No one is in custody at this time. This is an ongoing investigation.”

We will post an update if additional information is available. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

Rockville Police Responds to Burglary at Jewelry Store; High Value Items Stolen

By MCS Staff

Published April 16, 2023 at 10:09AM

Per Rockville Police: At approximately 5:36 a.m. on April 16, 2023, Rockville City Police responded to the 100 block of Gibbs Street for the report of a burglary of a jewelry store. Officers discovered the front window had been broken out, numerous jewelry cases were smashed, and a high dollar value of items were taken.

The suspects are described as three subjects wearing all dark clothing, masks and gloves fleeing towards the Dawson’s Market parking area. Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCPD Criminal Investigations Unit at 240-314-8938. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

Man Found Guilty in 2021 Germantown Murder; Instagram Plays Role in Investigation

By MCS Staff

Published April 14, 2023 at 4:38PM

This afternoon, in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before John Maloney, a jury found defendant, Mario Samm, 22, of Frederick, MD, guilty of murder in the second-degree and use of a firearm in commission of a crime of violence for the death of 25-year-old Jahandar Darvish. Samm faces up to 60 years in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 19^th, 2023.

This stems from an incident inside Darvish’s apartment on the 19300 block of Circle Gate Drive in Germantown on December 23, 2021. During an altercation, Samm fired seven rounds from two firearms, striking the victim three times. One of the other bullets went through the floor into an apartment unit below. There were no additional injuries. During the investigation it was found that social media posts of the defendant in the weeks preceding the incident, showed him with one of the guns believed to be used in the fatal shooting. Additional information below from the charging documents:

Life Plus 40 Years for Co-Defendant in 2013 Murder

By MCS Staff

Published April 13, 2023 at 6:59AM

In the Circuit Court hearing that took place on April 11, Montgomery County Judge John Maloney sentenced defendant, Vaughn Darvel Bellamy, 32, of Hagerstown, MD, to life in prison plus an additional 40 years. A jury convicted Bellamy and co-defendant, Bryan Byrd, in September 2022 on charges of first-degree murder for the death of Alexander Buie in 2013, and multiple related charges.

In November of 2013, the defendants forced their way into a home on Grenoble Drive in Rockville, intending to rob one of the occupants. At the time, the residence was serving as a recovery house, and home to several residents. The defendants were unaware their intended target had recently moved from the home. They confronted three adult males in the home, one of whom was the victim, Buie. A struggle ensued, during which, Mr. Buie was shot and fatally wounded. The defendants then fled the residence. Neither of the other two victims were injured.

Police Investigating Robbery of Elderly Couple in Gaithersburg’s Crown Neighborhood

By MCS Staff

Published April 12, 2023 at 6:52PM | Updated April 12, 2023 at 7:16PM

Detectives from the Gaithersburg Police Department – Investigative Section are investigating a robbery that occurred in the 400 block of Salk Circle in Gaithersburg (video accessible below). Per Gaithersburg Police:

On Sunday, April 9, 2023 at approximately 5:05 p.m., officers from the Gaithersburg Police Department responded to the 400 block of Salk Circle for the report of a robbery that just occurred. An unknown male suspect, last seen wearing all dark clothing and a winter cap, approached two adult victims from behind and forcibly removed a purse. The suspect then fled in the opposite direction on foot.

Police Are Investigating Armed Robbery of 7-Eleven

By MCS Staff

Published April 12, 2023 at 12:58PM

Per Takoma Park Police: On April 12, at approximately 1:44 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the 900 block of Merrimac Drive (7-11) for the report of an armed robbery that occurred earlier. The suspect entered the 7-11 and displayed a black handgun and demanded cash. The employee complied and the suspect fled on foot from the store towards Carroll Avenue.

The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 18-20 years old, last seen wearing a black face mask, gloves, black hooded sweater, blue jeans and tan “Timberland” style boots. Officers conducted a canvas of the area with negative results. Lookout information was provided to all surrounding jurisdictions.