Statement from Takoma Park Mayor Talisha Searcy: The Takoma Park City Council is happy to announce that it has appointed David Eubanks as Acting Deputy City Manager, effective Monday, March 6, 2023. Mr. Eubanks joined the City of Takoma Park in 2021 as the Deputy Director of Public Works and is currently the Director of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

As HCD Director, Mr. Eubanks has been instrumental in advancing key City initiatives such as the library construction project. Prior to joining the City, Mr. Eubanks had over a decade of experience in housing and community development. The Council looks forward to working with Mr. Eubanks in this new role.


In a free Takoma Park Arts event on Thursday, March 9 at 7:30pm at the Takoma Park Community Center (7500 Maple Ave), four bilingual poets will share their poetry in English and Spanish which transcends borders and unites diverse cultures across political and geographical divides. The featured poets include Rosie Prohías Driscoll, david alberto fernández, David Lott, and Jorge Fernando Sodero.

Per the City of Takoma Park: Rosie Prohías Driscoll is a Cuban-American educator and poet. The daughter of Cuban exiles, she writes about identity and exile, loss and renewal, grief and grace. Her poems have appeared in many journals, and her debut full-length collection Poised for Flight was published last year. She lives in Alexandria and teaches English at Bishop Ireton High School.


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!


Effective Friday, February 24, the USPS Blue Mailbox at the back of the Community Center at 7500 Maple Avenue in Takoma Park will be removed. The Blue Mailbox will be removed for the duration of the Community Center construction. Listed below are other USPS Blue Mailbox locations in the area (see the link to find your specific address):


On Thursday, March 2 at 7:30 pm the City of Takoma Park will offer a vintage movie night that will feature films on World War II. The event will take place at the Takoma Park Community Center, located at 7500 Maple Avenue. Additional information below, courtesy of the City of Takoma Park:

“As we witness the ongoing horror of the war in Ukraine, independent filmmaker Richard Hall will share a variety of vintage anti-war films which draw parallels between the conflict in Ukraine and the Vietnam War and highlight ongoing efforts to promote peace and equality.


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) respinded to call for a fire in a second floor bedroom of a two-story apartment building on the 8300 block of Roanoke Ave, off of Hudson Ave in Takoma Park, a little before 6:30am on Thursday morning.

According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the building was evacuated, but the fire was extinguished with some extension and without any injuries. Several people may be displaced and damage is estimated at approximately $20K.


On February 21, Takoma Park Police responded for two thefts of air bags.  Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to please call Takoma Park Police at 301-270-1100. Additional info below:

7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue:  At an unknown time, unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s vehicle (2020 Honda Accord) by breaking the front driver’s side window and stole the steering wheel air bag.  Case #23000698.  This incident occurred in Ward 6.


The Police Department and Ward 5 City Councilmember Cara Honzak will hold a community meeting to discuss public safety issues in Ward 5. Police Department staff will be providing an update on recent incidents in Ward 5 and provide an overall overview of crime stats/trends and security measures put in place to address these trends. The meeting will be in-person, and a Zoom Webinar will also be available to join and ask questions:

Zoom Registration: Ward 5 Community Zoom Meeting Registration Contact: If you have questions in advance of the meeting, please email them to Cathy Plevywith the title “Ward 5 Public Safety Meeting.”


Per Takoma Park Police Chief, Antonio DeVaul: We are very concerned about the increase in violent crime in Takoma Park. These violent incidents that have plagued our region are now impacting our City far too frequently. We are doing everything we can to address the increase in crime in Takoma Park. This includes increased patrols, both uniform, and plainclothes, as well as overtime details to put more officers in identified “hot spot” problem areas. We want to make sure criminals know that Takoma Park is not a “soft target.”

We ask that residents continue to act as our eyes and ears, “if you see something say something.” Community members can also leave anonymous tips on our 911 Tip Line,   Residents’ calls/tips have led to officers being able to make arrests for in-progress crimes and have also provided information that has helped us solve crimes.


Per Takoma Park Mayor Talisha Searcy: Effective February 13, 2023, City Manager Jamal Fox resigned from his position as the City Manager with the City of Takoma Park. Fox was hired in 2021 for a specific and critical time of transition for the City of Takoma Park. Fox stated, “it has been a privilege to work alongside the professional and dedicated staff, community members, Council, and Senior Leadership Team.”

The City Council thanks Mr. Fox for his service to the City and wishes him the best in his future endeavors. Acting Deputy City Managers Rosalind Grigsby and Greg Clark will continue to share the duties of Deputy City Manager until an Interim City Manager is announced.


On February 14, at approximately 9:59 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the unit block of Philadelphia Avenue for the report of an armed home invasion robbery. According to police, the victim was sitting in her kitchen when a male suspect dressed all in black clothing and a full mask covering his face walked in and placed an object to the back of her neck and demanded property (victim believed it to be a gun or a taser).  The victim complied.  After taking property, the suspect had her walk into a closet in the back bedroom while he continued to rummage through her purse.

The suspect fled the residence with property and the victim’s car keys, however, he was unable to take her vehicle because there was a vehicle blocking it.  The suspect fled on foot running towards Carroll Avenue from Park Avenue. A lookout was provided to all surrounding jurisdictions.  A K9 track with the assistance of Montgomery County Police yielded negative results.  A neighborhood canvass was conducted that yielded more witnesses.


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