Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Meriam Kidanemaryma Bahta is asked to call the police non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line) or the 3rd District Investigative Section at (240) 773-6870. Callers may remain anonymous.
Per TPPD: The Takoma Park Police Department’s policy directives require investigations of all complaints against the Department or its employees, and that annual statistical summaries of such investigations by the internal affairs function be made available to the public. The following is a summary of complaints filed for calendar year 2022.
Six complaints were recorded in 2022 with four subjected to internal investigations and two subjected to administrative review. Two complaints were submitted by community members and four were submitted internally by an employee, the Chief of Police, or a member of Command Staff. The majority of complaints received in 2022 were initiated by police department employees. There were two compliments submitted using the on-line option thanking officers for their handling of calls for service.
Montgomery County Police responded to an armed carjacking on Wednesday evening in Wheaton. According to MCPD, “At approximately 8 p.m., MCP officers responded to the area of Wheaton Plaza for the report of an armed carjacking that just occurred.
The male suspect, armed with a firearm, stole a vehicle from a victim. This is an active and ongoing investigation.” We will post an update when additional information becomes available.
Get your free tickets now for the annual MCPS Dance Showcase, which will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17 at James Hubert Blake High School. The snow date is Tuesday, Feb. 21. Blake is located at 300 Norwood Road in Silver Spring. Additional information below:
Students from the following 10 middle and high schools are expected to perform—A. Mario Loiederman, Forest Oak, Kingsview and Silver Spring International middle schools and Albert Einstein, Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Blake, Montgomery Blair, Northwood and Wheaton high schools. There will also be a performance from the All-County Dance Ensemble. These students thrive in dance class and exemplify their school’s instructional program. Student dancers in the ensemble are nominated by their dance teachers, and rehearse as a group for three months.Reserve your tickets here.
Winter Restaurant Week runs from January 16 to January 22, with ten Montgomery County restaurants participating. Founding Farmers, J. Hollinger’s, Lia’s, all three Matchbox locations, Morton’s, Spanish Diner, The Daily Dish, and Dish & Dram will be the participating MoCo restaurants. Per the Metropolitan Restaurant Week website:
“With some of the nation’s best know chefs, restaurateurs and rising culinary stars helming eateries in our region, Metropolitan DC is known for its restaurants. One of the most highly anticipated food-related programs in the region, Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week is a week-long celebration of area restaurants and the diversity of world-class cuisine. For local diners, Restaurant Week is an opportunity to experience new flavors, explore restaurants in different neighborhoods or visit old favorites. For visitors to the area, it’s an opportunity to experience many of the best of our regional restaurants without breaking the bank.”
The City of Takoma Park is currently accepting applications for its Community Quality of Life Grants Program through Thursday, March 9, 2023. The Community Quality of Life Grants Program provides financial support for specific programs, projects, and events that improve the quality of life for city residents by providing greater access and opportunities for participation in the arts and sciences. Projects are eligible for up to $10,000 in financial support.
Funding for FY23 is available for projects taking place between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. Additional Resources below:
The State Highway Administration (SHA) approved a resident-requested four-way stop at Ethan Allen and Elm avenues in Takoma Park. It has been installed and has been operational since Saturday, January 14. This is a temporary installation, as SHA is concerned that traffic may routinely back up into the New Hampshire Ave intersection and reserves their right to discontinue the 4-way stop.
Per the City of Takoma Park: “We ask that motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians please use caution in the area as everyone adjusts to the new traffic control.” Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.
Per the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office: Before the Honorable John Maloney, a jury found defendant, Tremayne Dorsey, 44, of unknown address, guilty of first-degree murder, felony murder, home invasion, two counts of first-degree assault, and three counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. This stems from an incident on November 30th, 2021, when Dorsey forced his way into an apartment along the 12300 block of Treetop Drive in Silver Spring, shooting and killing 39-year-old James Beverly whose eight-month-old daughter and other family members were just feet away, inside of the unit.
Dorsey also assaulted two women inside of the apartment. As detailed in court proceedings, Dorsey had previously stayed at the residence with the victims and had a falling out with them, so he was known to them. He was found by police nearly a month later in Colonial Heights, VA. Dorsey faces the potential of life in prison when he is sentenced on March 23rd, 2023. Assistant State’s Attorneys Peter Larson and Kimberly Cissel are prosecuting this case.
Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 4th District Investigative Section are investigating a residential burglary that occurred on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, in the 11800 block of Dewey Rd. Detectives have released photos of the male suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him. At approximately 9 a.m., 4th District Officers responded to the location for the report of a burglary.
The investigation has revealed that the suspect forced entry into the unoccupied home and began removing copper pipes. Moments later, a family member of the homeowner entered the house to conduct a damage inspection and observed the suspect in the basement. The suspect then ran out of the house. The family member took photographs of the suspect with his cell phone as the suspect was leaving the scene with the copper pipes in his possession. Officers obtained items of evidentiary value from the residence.
Dunkin’ is now open at 14328 Layhill Road in Silver Spring. The store will hold its official grand opening this Saturday, January 21 beginning at 9am and the first 100 guests will receive free coffee for one year. The event will also feature a ribbon cutting, prize wheel, and an appearance by Dunkin’ mascot Cuppy. Additional details below courtesy of Dunkin:
“At 10:00 a.m. on January 21, local Dunkin’ franchisee Jesse Luis will host the store’s official ribbon cutting, followed by a check presentation to award Driven to Cure with a $1,000 grant in partnership with the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. Dunkin’ mascot Cuppy will be on hand for the festivities, which will include free merchandise and a chance for guests to spin Dunkin’s Prize Wheel.
Back in September 2020, we reported on MOM’s Organic Market signing a lease with Bozzuto Development Co. and Stonebridge to take over the previous Montgomery Planning headquarters in Silver Spring. Since then construction has been ongoing at the new development, with plenty of progress as the new development moves closer towards its Fall 2023 expected delivery date (additional photos and video below).
MOM’s Organic Market will be located on the ground floor of 8787 Georgia Ave. as part of the planned redevelopment of the Montgomery County government facility. Per a 2020 Biz Journals article, “MOM’s will anchor the redevelopment of a government facility in Silver Spring into a mix of retail and residential space that’s been in the works for nearly six years.” As of now, there is no word on any additional retail tenants.