Takoma Park

Per The Takoma Park Police Department: “The Takoma Park Police Department is committed to fighting theft from auto, burglaries and theft of all types in our community. Our number one goal is to protect lives and property through proactive measures to make our community a safe place to live, work or visit.

The biggest help a community can give its police force is information, when you see something out of the ordinary, suspicious person(s), or vehicle(s), call and report it. The fact of the matter is that we cannot be everywhere at once; we need your eyes and ears to help us in our efforts of making our community as safe and crime free as possible.

The Takoma Park Police Criminal Investigations Division is actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at about 11:05 am. The victim Nurhusen Hamid (pictured below) was working as a mobile mechanic on the Advanced Auto Parts parking lot in the 6300 block of New Hampshire Ave, Takoma Park, Montgomery County, Maryland. An unknown suspect approached the victim and shot him. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect fled the parking lot on foot onto Eastern Ave and entered a waiting white in colored SUV then fleeing the area into the District of Columbia on New Hampshire Ave. Suspect is described as a black, male, wearing a white tee shirt, dark baseball cap and jeans.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call Detective Earle at 301-891-7127. Case #220030554 / CID #22-092 ([email protected]). Individuals with information may also contact Montgomery County Crime Solvers either by going to their website WWW.P3TIPS.COM, or by text message using the P3 mobile app. The app is available at the Android Playstore or Apple App Store – search for “P3 TIPS. Tipsters will remain anonymous and could be entitled to a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person or persons responsible for this crime. Those without access to either may call 866-411-TIPS (8477).

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, on Thursday, July 7, “In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before the Honorable Teresa Chernosky, a jury has found defendant, Jose Mazara, 27, of unknown address, guilty of three counts of First-Degree Burglary and one count of Felon in Possession of a Regulated Firearm, as well as conspiracy counts for each and some related charges.

The defendant burglarized three homes in the Takoma Park area in November 2022, stealing multiple items of jewelry and watches (estimated total value of $30,000) and a handgun with ammunition. The victims were away from their homes at the time of the break-ins. In one case, the family was traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday. Assistant State’s Attorney Dan Kroepsch is prosecuting this case and stated in court that Mazara targeted homes where newspapers and/or mail sat outside of the front door, indicating the likelihood that the occupants were not present. The defendant entered the homes through unlocked doors and windows, in one case, using a ladder from the yard to access a second story window. Mazara is facing up to 75 years in prison and is scheduled for a sentencing hearing at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2023.”

On July 27, at approximately 5:05 am, Takoma Park police responded to the 1100 block of University Boulevard (Silver Spring Jeweler) for a burglary that occurred overnight. Per Takoma Park Police: Unknown suspect(s) entered the establishment by prying open a door and then shattering a second glass door.  Property was stolen.

The suspect is described as a Black male, slim build, last seen wearing black pants, black shirt, black sneakers with white soles and light blue latex gloves.  Suspect vehicle is a white newer model SUV. Investigation continues under case #230046357.  Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100. This incident occurred in Ward 6. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

On July 25 at approximately 11:26 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to the 6700 block of Prince George’s Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland, for the report of an armed carjacking.

According to Takoma Park Police, “The victim was sitting in his parked vehicle when the suspect approached on foot to his driver’s side window and ordered the victim out of his vehicle at gunpoint.  The victim complied and the suspect fled with his vehicle.  The suspect did not get far before losing control of the vehicle and crashing into another unoccupied truck parked in the street.  The suspect fled on foot in an unknown direction.  The vehicle was towed.