Takoma Park Archives - Page 40 of 61

Juvenile Arrested For Theft/Destruction of Property After Breaking Food Truck Window

Published March 23, 2023 at 1:04PM

Per Takoma Park Police: On March 23, at approximately 1:52 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the 1000 block of University Blvd., Takoma Park, Maryland, for a theft from auto in progress. The caller advised an individual had broken out a window to a food truck. When officers arrived, the individual tried to flee on foot but was apprehended. The victim, owner of the food truck, arrived on scene and advised that two surveillance cameras in the vehicle were destroyed.

The individual, a 16-year-old male from Hyattsville, Maryland, was charged with theft from auto and destruction of property. The charged juvenile was released to the custody of a parent(s). Investigation continues. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100 and refer to case #230013995 Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps

Montgomery County to Sponsor Seven Pit Stops During Washington Region’s Annual ‘Bike to Work Day’ on Friday, May 19

By Patrick Herron

Published March 22, 2023 at 12:13PM

Per Montgomery County: National Bike to Work Day will be held on Friday, May 19, and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will sponsor seven pit stops throughout the County as part of the Washington Region’s participation in the event. Registration for the free event is now open. The first 15,000 bicyclists to register and participate will get a free t-shirt and will be automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win a new bike.

“Today, we offer more bike paths, dedicated lanes, as well as opportunities to transport a bike on RideOn, MetroBus and Metrorail, than ever before,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Biking to your job or to run errands is a healthy form of transportation that does not produce pollution or add cars to the road. I encourage everyone to join us on Bike to Work Day and consider biking as a transportation alternative this summer.”

Arbor Day Tree Walk to Take Place on Saturday, April 22

By MCS Staff

Published March 21, 2023 at 7:41AM

About Arbor Day: Arbor Day is also a time to recognize that a city can be a hard place for trees to live, and that they need our tender love and care! It is a time to redouble our commitment to providing our trees what they need to thrive in our urban environment. One of the most important acts you can take to support our urban forest is to plant a tree where there wasn’t one. Residents and property owners across the City are planting trees this season in solidarity with this mission. For the trees you already have, remember that a broad area of woody or leafy mulched soil for the roots to grow in is ideal. And don’t forget to water your new trees. Typically, fifteen gallons once a week is sufficient for a new young tree, though watering twice a week can be a good idea during times of drought.

Maryland Arbor Day: This year, Maryland Arbor Day is April 5, while nationally recognized Arbor Day is April 28. Tree planting is best done earlier in the spring, but any time is a good time to celebrate trees! See the City’s Urban Forestry page to learn more about tree care and City tree programs.

Police Searching for Suspect in Strong Arm Carjacking

By MCS Staff

Published March 20, 2023 at 8:19PM

Per Takoma Park Police: On March 20, at approximately 8:50 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the 7000 block of Carroll Avenue for the report of a carjacking that had just occurred. The victim was inside her vehicle when an unknown suspect walked up to her window and demanded property. The victim complied by opening her window slightly. The suspect took advantage of that opportunity to reach in and open the victim’s door from the inside and demanded her to get out of the vehicle. The victim complied and the suspect stole her vehicle, last seen driving down Carroll Avenue towards the District of Columbia.

The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5’7-5’11, approximately 190 lbs., last seen wearing a black hoodie jacket and a full mask covering. A lookout was broadcast to all surrounding jurisdictions. The stolen vehicle is described as a 2006 gray Nissan Pathfinder, MD#740M503. The outstanding vehicle has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) stolen vehicle database. Investigation continues. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100 and refer to case #230013413. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps

Arrest Warrant Out For Suspect Accused Of Sexual Assault With A Knife After Meeting Victim on Dating App

By MCS Staff

Published March 17, 2023 at 6:33PM

On March 15, 2023 at approximately 3:00 P.M. Takoma Park Officers responded to the 7700 block of Maple Avenue in Takoma Park, for the report of a “cutting.” According to Takoma Park Police, officers found the female victim with lacerations to her leg. The victim also reported to the on-scene officers that a sexual assault occurred. The victim met the suspect using an online dating app. The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived and the victim was transported by Montgomery County Fire Rescue to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

A suspect was identified and an arrest warrant with multiple charges related to the sexual assault and assault was issued for the suspect. The suspect was not named and a description for the known suspect was not provided by Takoma Park Police. “This incident occurred in Ward 5. Anyone with additional information can contact the Takoma Park Police Criminal Investigations Division at 301-270-1100.” Featured photo of the 7700 block of Maple Ave in Takoma Park courtesy of Google Maps.

Early Morning House Fire Causes ~$100K in Damage; Three People Displaced

By Patrick Herron

Published March 17, 2023 at 9:22AM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services responded to a house fire in the 7200blk of Maple Ave in Takoma Park around 5am on Friday, March 17. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the cause of the fire is still under investigation but it appears to have started in the basement of the home and involved mattress/bedding. There were no injuries reported. Damage is estimated to be ~$100K (contents/structure) and three adults have been displaced. One resident of the home is unaccounted for but was likely not home at the time of the fire as the family had reported them as a missing person, according to Piringer.

Per @mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “Update – Maple Av, Takoma Park, house fire; Origin & Cause, still under investigation, however it appears to have started in basement, involving mattress/bedding, etc; Damage estimate ~$100K (contents/structure); 3 adults displaced (Red Cross assisting)”

(Postponed) Hillwood Manor Neighborhood Park Celebration Planned For March 25

By MCS Staff

Published March 16, 2023 at 12:28PM | Updated March 24, 2023 at 7:30PM

 Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is postponing the celebration of the newly renovated Hillwood Manor Neighborhood Park playground, due to inclement weather expected Saturday, March 25. Instead, the event will be held next week, on the pre-scheduled rain date, Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. at Hillwood Manor Neighborhood Park 1301 Elson Street, Takoma Park, MD 20912 (speaking program begins at 2:15 p.m.).

Montgomery Parks is inviting the public to join in a celebration of the newly renovated Hillwood Manor Neighborhood Park playground. Attendees will enjoy fun on the modernized playground, refreshments, and giveaways. The festivities will be held:

NASA Flight Instructor Visits Rolling Terrace Elementary School Students

By MCS Staff

Published March 16, 2023 at 7:12AM

Third graders at Rolling Terrace Elementary School in Takoma Park got a chance to hear from NASA Flight Director Diana Trujillo of the Johnson Space Center in Texas. She spoke to students about her career with NASA and work on the Artemis mission.

According to MCPS, Trujillo most recently served as the Integrated Planning and Sequencing for Surface Missions Group Supervisor at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. She supported mission operations for NASA’s ongoing exploration missions on the surface of Mars, and the planned Mars Sample Return mission. Trujillo was born and raised in Colombia, and earned a bachelor’s of science in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Crate Prevents Dog From Being Injured After Large Tree Falls on Home

By Patrick Herron

Published March 15, 2023 at 8:58PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the 6900blk of Cherry Ave., near Sligo Creek Parkway, in Takoma Park on Wednesday afternoon after a large tree fell on a house and caused roof and structural damage. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the tree collapsed on the house and crashed through to where a dog was located in a crate, which protected/saved the dog from being injured. No humans were home at time and the house has been posted unsafe to occupy.

Per @mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “Update – Cherry Av., TP, large tree fell on house causing roof & structural damage (flat roof), posted unsafe to occupy, tree collapsed on house & crashed through to where dog was located in a crate which actually protected/saved the dog from being injured, no humans home at time”

$158,092 Winning Lottery Ticket Sold at MoCo Gas Station

By Patrick Herron

Published March 15, 2023 at 2:03PM

The $5 game has a progressive jackpot that starts at $40,000 and increases with the sale of each ticket until someone buys a progressive jackpot-winning ticket. The World Championship Poker game went on sale in September 2021 and still has 10 progressive jackpot prizes remaining. Sunshine Ethio is also a winner. For selling a jackpot-winning FAST PLAY ticket worth $100,000 or more, the store located at 6907 New Hampshire Avenue in Takoma Park earns a $1,000 bonus from the Lottery.

Instructions on claiming prizes in person or by mail are available HERE. Players must redeem prizes larger than $25,000 by mail or at Lottery headquarters in the Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 330 in Baltimore. The Lottery’s Claims Center in Baltimore is open by appointment only (no walk-ins). Click HERE to schedule an appointment.”

Independent Book Store to Open in Takoma Park This Spring

By Patrick Herron

Published March 15, 2023 at 9:48AM

People’s Book, a woman-owned general purpose bookstore, has announced it will be opening at 7014-A Westmoreland Ave in Takoma Park in the late spring/early summer. According to People’s Book, “the store will have a diverse selection of over 12,000 books, with a special focus on children’s literature, local interests, new releases and independent magazines. The inventory will also include book-themed gifts. Locally roasted drip coffee, kombucha, and other beverages and treats will be available.”

“Takoma Park is our family’s forever home, and we’re excited about providing readers of all ages opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with their neighbors,” said Megan Bormet, store owner and former elementary school educator. “Helping kids and adults find books they love is what I like to do best, and I’m thrilled that we can do this at People’s Book.”