Crime Archives - Page 235 of 265

Detectives Investigate Outlet Drive Shooting

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.

Maryland MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced To 28 Years In Federal Prison Racketeering Conspiracy, Including Two Murders

By MCS Staff

Published May 21, 2023 at 8:09AM

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis today sentenced Franklyn Edgardo Sanchez, a/k/a “Freddy,” “Magic,” “Miclo,” and “Delinquente,” age 26, of Adelphi, Maryland, to 28 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his participation in a racketeering conspiracy, including two murders, related to his activities as part of the MS-13 gang. Judge Xinis also ordered that Sanchez must pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ losses, including any funeral costs incurred by Victim 1 and Victim 4’s estates.

According to court documents, 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, and throughout the United States. In Maryland and elsewhere, MS-13 members are organized in “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.

Arrest Made in 2022 Home Invasion Where 58-Year-Old Woman Was Shot

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2023 at 1:56PM

Per MCPD: A Silver Spring man is in custody, one year after a home invasion and shooting of a 58-year-old woman. 27-year-old Saatehu Mesutmen has been charged with home invasion and first-degree attempted murder for allegedly shooting the victim inside of her home in the 13200 block of Stravinsky Terrace in Silver Spring on Monday, April 11, 2022.

During the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that the suspect, Mesutmen, fired multiple shots through the sliding glass door in the back of the house and entered the residence, where he located the victim and shot her. The victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition where she was treated in the Intensive Care Unit and later released. Mesutmen had no connection to the victim.

Adult Male Charged with First-Degree Rape, Kidnapping, and Armed Robbery; Possibility of Additional Victims a Concern

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2023 at 12:58PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) have arrested and charged 20-year-old Jose Roberto Hernandez-Penal of Hyattsville with first-degree rape, kidnapping and armed robbery. Detectives have released a photo of Hernandez-Penal and are urging anyone who may be a victim of a sexual assault by Hernandez-Penal to come forward.

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 3rd District officers responded to the Northwest Branch Trail in the 10700 block of Columbia Pike in Silver Spring for the report of a rape and an armed robbery. The investigation by detectives has revealed that at approximately 2:40 p.m., Hernandez-Penal approached two adult females on the Northwest Brach Trail, displayed a machete, stole their property and sexually assaulted one of the victims. Hernandez-Penal then left the scene. Upon leaving the scene, Hernandez-Penal assaulted an adult male victim in the 1100 block of Devere Drive.

Police Apprehend Suspect Who Sexually Assaulted and Robbed Woman on Tuesday Afternoon

By MCS Staff

Published May 16, 2023 at 6:28PM

Per Montgomery County Police: At approximately 2:54 pm on Tuesday afternoon, Montgomery County Police officers responded to the location for the report of an armed robbery and sexual assault of a woman that occurred on the Northwest Branch Trail in the 10700 block of Columbia Pike in Silver Spring.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that an adult male approached an adult female in the Northwest Brach Trail, displayed a weapon, sexually assaulted her, and stole her property. The male then left the scene.

Two Wanted Following Pursuit That Ended in D.C. After Robbery Suspects Crash Stolen Vehicle

By MCS Staff

Published May 16, 2023 at 4:08PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are looking for two suspects involved in a robbery and vehicle pursuit that ended in Washington, DC. On Tuesday, May 16, at approximately 3:15 a.m., two Black male suspects entered the Dash-In Gas Station, in the 11100 block of New Hampshire Avenue. One of the suspects implied that he had a gun and demanded money from the cash register. The store employee complied and opened the register. The suspects left with an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes.

The suspects drove off in a white Hyundai Santa Fe, which was reported stolen out of Arlington, VA. 3rd District officers located the Hyundai in the area of New Hampshire Avenue and Northampton Drive. The suspects drove away, and a pursuit was initiated, with the suspects driving into DC, where the vehicle crashed near New Hampshire and Longfellow. A female passenger was trapped inside of the Hyundai and extricated by DC Fire Rescue. The two male suspects managed to get out of the vehicle and run away. The female passenger was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No police officers or bystanders were injured during the pursuit. This is an active and ongoing investigation.