Crime Archives - Page 243 of 265

Police Respond to Armed Carjacking in Bethesda; Suspects Abandon Separate Stolen Vehicle at the Scene

Published March 6, 2023 at 1:01PM

Montgomery County Police responded to an armed carjacking on Sunday night. According to MCPD, “On Sunday, March 5, 2023, at approximately 8:15 p.m., MCP officers responded to the 8700 block of Lowell Street for the report of a carjacking. The preliminary investigation has revealed that four armed suspects arrived at the location in a vehicle and approached an adult male victim. The suspects then stole the victim’s vehicle and left the scene in the victim’s vehicle, leaving the vehicle that they arrived in at the scene. Officers determined that the vehicle used by the suspects had been reported stolen. This is an active and ongoing investigation.”

Public safety reporter Cordell Pugh reports that the suspects stole a 2009 Honda Accord and left a stolen Hyundai Elantra at the scene. We will post an update if additional information becomes available.

Police Investigate Armed Car Jacking That Occurred Saturday Morning

By MCS Staff

Published March 5, 2023 at 2:26AM

On March 4 at 10:28 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the 7100 block of Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland, for the report of an armed carjacking. The suspect ordered the victim out of her vehicle at gunpoint. The victim complied and the suspect fled with her vehicle. The suspect was described as a Black male, skinny, 5’6 to 5’8, 18-22 years old, last seen wearing all dark clothing and a black ski mask. The suspect’s handgun was described as a small compact black handgun.

The victim’s vehicle was described as a 2023 black Toyota. The victim was not seriously physically injured. At approximately 4:08 pm, through investigation, the vehicle was located intact in the District of Columbia. Investigation continues under case #230010692 Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

Man Who Allegedly Stole Money From Girl Scout Troop Arrested

By Patrick Herron

Published March 4, 2023 at 8:58PM

Per the Rockville City Police: On March 3, 2023, a search and arrest warrant was served in the 700 block of Fallsgrove Drive in relation to several robberies impacting the Fallsgrove community. The search warrant stemmed from several investigations being conducted by both the Rockville City Police and Montgomery County Police Department.

During the course of the investigations, Rockville City Police Criminal Investigators and Montgomery County Police Department’s Major Crimes Robbery Investigators identified a subject.

Car Stolen Friday Morning, Attempted Auto Theft Thursday Night

By MCS Staff

Published March 4, 2023 at 3:04AM

On Friday, March 3, at approximately 7:30 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the 7700 block of Maple Avenue for the report of a stolen auto. The victim’s vehicle was stolen from in front of her residence on March 2 at 8:54 pm (per video surveillance). The outstanding stolen vehicle is described as a 2019 Hyundai Sonata, MD Tag #7FG7703. Case #230010496

Additionally, on Thursday, March 2 at approximately 8:40 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to the 6700 block of Prince George’s Avenue for the report of an attempt auto theft. Two suspects attempted to pry open the driver’s door of the victim’s 2017 Hyundai Elantra without success. The suspects fled the scene after a resident saw them.

Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council Urges Hyundai, Kia Owners To Get Free Updates Following TikTok Challenge Thefts

By Patrick Herron

Published March 3, 2023 at 5:52PM

Per the Maryland State Police: The Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council is urging motorists who own certain makes and models of Hyundai and Kia cars to reach out to the automakers for a free security software update following a nationwide surge in thefts that led to at least 14 crashes and eight fatalities.

The theft deterrent software is designed for millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles that lack an immobilizer. The upgrade is available free of charge to vehicle owners. As part of the software update, the theft alarm software logic will extend the length of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute and now requires the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on.

Northwood High School Closes Outdoor Facilities to the Public Due to Hate Speech and Antisemitic Vandalism at Athletic Field

By Patrick Herron

Published March 2, 2023 at 2:19PM

As such, beginning Saturday, March 4, 2023, all Northwood outdoor facilities will be closed to community members until further notice. This includes our athletic fields, track, tennis courts, and all other external areas of the building. Additionally, the Loxford Terrace access gate between our baseball and softball fields will remain closed. This closure does not include MCPS approved activities. We recognize and regret the inconvenience this causes for our surrounding community. However, the safety of our students, staff, and community must take precedence. It is our sincere hope that facilities will reopen as soon as a suspects) is apprehended or there is confidence the hate vandalism against our community has stopped.

We are asking parents and guardians receiving this message to please share it with any community members without students attending Northwood who use our facilities so they are aware. This message will also be provided to feeder schools and local listservs. If any community members have any questions, comments, or any information regarding the recent incidents of hate vandalism, please contact school administration: 240-740-6950″

College Park Mayor Writes Letter of Resignation Ahead of Arrest and Charges For 56 Counts of Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

By MCS Staff

Published March 2, 2023 at 12:44PM

Patrick Wojahn, mayor of College Park since 2015, resigned last night in a letter submitted to the City of College Park ahead of his arrest and charges of 56 counts of possession and distribution of child pornography. His letter and the official statement from the City of College Park, released prior to when the investigation was made public information, can be seen below:

Patrick Wojahn’s letter is resignation: “It has been a profound honor and privilege to serve the City of College Park since 2007 as a City Councilmember and your Mayor. However, effective immediately, I must resign my position.

College Park Mayor Arrested and Charged With 56 Counts of Possession & Distribution of Child Pornography

By MCS Staff

Published March 2, 2023 at 12:10PM

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Abuse – Internet Crimes Against Child Unit arrested a College Park man this morning for possession and distribution of child pornography. The suspect is 47-year-old Patrick Wojahn.

Per Prince George’s County Police: On February 17, 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified the PGPD that a social media account operating in the county possessed and distributed suspected child pornography. The image and videos had been uploaded to the social media account in January of 2023. Through various investigative techniques, PGPD investigators discovered the social media account belonged to Wojahn.

Rockville Man Arrested for Assault & Firearm Related Charges Stemming From a January 31st Shooting in Gaithersburg

By MCS Staff

Published March 1, 2023 at 10:10PM

Detectives from the Gaithersburg Police Department – Investigative Section have arrested a suspect involved in the shooting that occurred on January 31, 2023, in the area of N. Summit Avenue. With the assistance from the Montgomery County Police – Repeat Offender Unit, police arrested 23-year-old Delonte Jamar Hunter on Tuesday, February 28 in Rockville, where he was taken into custody without incident.

On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at approximately 6:28 a.m., officers from both the Gaithersburg Police Department and the Montgomery County Police Department – 6^th District responded to the area of N. Summit Avenue for the report of a shooting that just occurred. Officers located two adult victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers provided first-aid to both victims until Fire and Rescue personnel arrived. The victims were then transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Rockville Man Convicted in Fraud Scheme That Stole Almost $2 Million From Churches

By MCS Staff

Published February 28, 2023 at 7:20AM

A federal jury in Maryland has convicted Diape Seck, age 29, of Rockville, Maryland for his role in a bank fraud scheme in which he and his co-conspirators obtained or attempted to obtain almost $2 million by fraud, including by stealing checks from the mail of churches and religious institutions. The guilty verdict was returned late on February 24, 2023.

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: According to the evidence presented at his eight-day trial, from at least January 2019 to January 2020, Seck, a customer service representative with Bank A, conspired with Mateus Vaduva, Marius Vaduva, Vlad Baceanu, Nicolae Gindac, Florin Vaduva, Marian Unguru, Daniel Velcu, Vali Unguru and others to commit bank fraud. Specifically, the evidence showed that Seck fraudulently opened bank accounts in fake identities in exchange for cash bribes. Co-conspirators engaged in fraud that included fraud involving rental cars and the deposit of checks stolen from the incoming and outgoing mail of churches and other religious institutions, into the fraudulently opened bank accounts. The co-conspirators then withdrew the funds and spent the fraudulently obtained proceeds.

Burglary Prevention Tips By Takoma Park Police

By MCS Staff

Published February 27, 2023 at 12:32PM

Burglary Prevention Tips by Takoma Park Police: Burglary is an opportunist crime. A burglar will select his target because it offers him the best opportunity to carry out his crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in his way. A home that presents itself as insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured. Please review the following in order to protect your home and your valuables:

1. The MOST important thing YOU can do is CALL THE POLICE to report a CRIME or any SUSPICIOUS activity. You have to be the eyes of your neighborhood. And remember you can always remain a pair of anonymous eyes! Report burglaries immediately! Get to know your neighbors!