Crime Archives - Page 238 of 265

Montgomery County Man Charged With Fatal Shooting That Occurred in February

Published May 2, 2023 at 10:31PM

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit identified and charged a man in connection with a fatal shooting in February. The suspect is 25-year-old Luis Marquez of Silver Spring. He’s charged with murdering 38-year-old Maurice Chase Jr. of Takoma Park.

Per PGCPD: On February 20, 2023, at approximately 12:40 am, officers responded to the 6700 block of New Hampshire Avenue for a shooting in the unincorporated section of Takoma Park. Officers located the victim inside of an apartment building suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital where he died several hours later. The preliminary investigation revealed the suspect shot the victim during an altercation. Marquez is charged with first and second degree murder and additional charges. He is in custody of the Department of Corrections. Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512.

Detectives Investigate Woodmont Ave Attempted Carjacking

By Patrick Herron

Published May 2, 2023 at 4:03PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating an attempted carjacking that occurred in the 7900 block of Woodmont Avenue at approximately 7 p.m., on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Detectives have released video of the suspects and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying them.

The investigation by detectives has determined that the victim was leaving a restaurant in the 7900 block of Woodmont Avenue. Upon arriving to his vehicle and opening the rear passenger door, two unknown black male suspects approached him and began to punch him in the face. After striking him multiple times, the suspects demanded the victim’s car keys. One of the suspects then opened the driver’s door to the vehicle and discovered that the vehicle was not running. Good Samaritans from inside the restaurant began to witness the assault and went outside to assist the victim. At that time, the suspects left the scene and headed towards the Bethesda Metro Station.

Detectives Continue to Investigate Bethesda Strongarm Robbery; Surveillance Video Released

By Patrick Herron

Published May 2, 2023 at 1:36PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Investigative Section are investigating a robbery that occurred on Friday, March 31, 2023. Detectives have released surveillance video of the suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him. The initial investigation has revealed that the victim was walking in the area of Pearl Street and East West Highway when the suspect approached the victim, displayed a knife and demanded her bag. The suspect then yanked the bag away from the victim and ran towards Wisconsin Avenue. The suspect then used credit cards stolen from the victim at area businesses.

Detectives reviewed the surveillance footage and obtained a description of the suspect. The suspect is described as a Black male, medium build, wearing a green and blue hooded jacket, blue pants, hiking shoes and a mask.

Man Sentenced to Life in Prison For Murdering His Former Boss

By MCS Staff

Published May 1, 2023 at 7:24PM

Per the Office of the Montgomery County State’s Attorney: Defendant, Billy Phillips, sentenced today to life plus 65 years for the murder of his former boss, Geoffrey Biddle, inside Biddle’s Bethesda home.

For a period of time, Geoffrey Biddle had trusted the defendant to work for his company, and the defendant abused that trust by using what he learned during his employment to plan his vicious, premeditated attack. According to witnesses, Billy Phillips was fired from his job in April 2021 for fraud and was in financial despair. On June 23rd, 2021, the defendant terrorized Biddle inside Biddle’s own basement and ultimately shot him four times, the final shot being close range to the victim’s head. Phillips had disabled Biddle’s car to prevent him from trying to escape. He also impersonated Biddle via email to excuse Biddle’s absence from work. Hours after the murder, Phillips was cashing forged checks from the victim’s bank account. When he was arrested, the victim’s bank card and checkbook were in his car.

Suspect Apprehended by Police After Fleeing Scene of Hit and Run

By Patrick Herron

Published May 1, 2023 at 5:44PM | Updated May 1, 2023 at 7:05PM

Montgomery County Police responded to the scene of a hit-and-run collision on Monday, May 1 in Bethesda. According to MCPD, “the call was received at approximately 3:35 p.m. 2nd District officers responded to the 7800 block of Wisconsin Ave., for the report of a hit-and-run collision, involving two vehicles. The driver of the striking vehicle got out and ran. Officers circulated the area and found the suspect nearby, where he was taken into custody.

There were no injuries were reported. We will post an update if additional information becomes available.

Taxi Driver Charged with Second-Degree Rape of Minor

By Patrick Herron

Published May 1, 2023 at 12:02PM | Updated May 1, 2023 at 1:15PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) have arrested and charged 24-year-old Orlin Martinez Orellana with second-degree rape and sex abuse of a minor. Detectives have released a photo of Martinez Orellana and are urging anyone who may be a victim of a sex assault by Martinez Orellana to come forward. On Monday, January 2, 2023, 4th District officers responded to a residence in Silver Spring for the report of a rape.

The investigation by detectives has revealed that at approximately 3 a.m., the juvenile victim contacted a taxi service to take her to a location outside of Montgomery County to meet with a friend. Moments later, Martinez Orellana picked up the victim and drove her to the location. Upon arriving at the destination, the victim determined that her friend was not going to meet with her. The victim asked Martinez Orellana to take her back to her residence. Martinez Orellana refused to comply with her demands and took her, against her will, to his residence in Silver Spring.

Air Bag Crime Prevention Information and Tips

By MCS Staff

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.