On January 22, at approximately 12:20 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to the 8600 block of Flower Avenue for the report of a strong arm robbery that had occurred earlier. According to Takoma Park Police, at approximately 10:15 am, the victim was walking southbound in the 8600 block of Flower Avenue when a green Nissan Pathfinder with North Carolina tags pulled up next to him. Two suspects exited the vehicle, a male and female; the male implying he was holding a knife. The suspects stole property from the victim and then fled the area in their vehicle, driving southbound on Flower Avenue and turning left on to eastbound Domer Avenue. The victim was not seriously physically injured.

The suspects are described as (1) white Hispanic male, 5’5, heavy-set, mid-40’s, black hair and (2) white Hispanic female, 5’8, slim build, mid-20’s, blonde hair. Investigation continues under case #230003558.  Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps


On January 20, at approximately 2:40 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to the 6400 block of New Hampshire Avenue (Pupusaria Y Taqueria Lupita food truck) for the report of an armed robbery that occurred earlier. According to Takoma Park Police, the suspect forced his way into the food truck with a hammer through the service window. Once inside, the suspect armed himself with a knife and forced the victim to the floor and stole property from the food truck. The suspect exited the truck through the rear door and fled west toward the back of the gas station, climbed over the fence and was last seen running through the wooded area toward Sligo Mill Road.  The suspect left behind the hammer and knife, both of which were impounded.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 5’8, thin build last seen wearing all dark clothing and a full mask. The victim was not seriously physically injured during the armed robbery.  Officers conducted a canvas of the area with negative results. Lookout information was provided to all surrounding jurisdictions. Investigators are asking that anyone with information about this incident, or knows the identity of the suspect, please contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100 and refer to case #230003284.


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.


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.


Update: Kimora Saunders has been found safe and unharmed.

Takoma Park Police is seeking the public’s assistance in location a missing 17-year-old, Kimora Saunders, who has been missing since Sunday, January 8th, 2023. She was last seen at 2pm on the 7600 block of Maple Avenue in Takoma Park. She is 5’4, 160lbs, with red braids, and was last seen wearing white with gray Nike shoes. If you have any information that can help locate this person, please call 301-270-1100 or text tip411 and reference case #230002260


Per Takoma Park Police: On 01/13/2023, at approximately 4:00 pm, Takoma Park Police officers responded to the Pupuseria Luisa food truck located in the 6500 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Takoma Park, for the report of an armed robbery that occurred earlier. Upon arrival, officers met with the business owner, who advised on today’s date at approximately 2:00 pm, two Hispanic males stepped into the food truck and one suspect presented what appeared to be a handgun. The suspects demanded cash from the food truck workers. The two suspects fled the scene southbound on New Hampshire Avenue on foot.

Suspect One was described as a tall and skinny Hispanic male wearing a black face mask and red jacket. Suspect Two was described as a short, heavy set, Hispanic male wearing a black face mask and black jacket. Anyone with information on these events should contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100 and refer to case #230002143. Featured photo courtesy of the Pupuseria Luisa Facebook page.


For the fifth year in a row, the City of Takoma Park received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its current fiscal year budget. “In order to receive this award, a governmental unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, as a financial plan, as an operations guide, and as a communications device,” said Michele Mark Levine, Director of GFOA’s Technical Services Center, in a press release. “This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. Its attainment represents a significant achievement by the organization.”

The award was created in 1984 by the GFOA to “encourage and assist state and local governments to prepare budget documents of the very highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA’s best practices on budgeting,” according to its website.


Update: Olivia Woods has been located

On 1-11-23 at 8:05 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to 8200 block of Roanoke Ave., in reference to a missing 17-year-old Black Female, Olivia Woods. Olivia Woods is 5’10 and weighs 140lbs. She was last seen wearing a navy-blue jacket, green shirt and yellow / white Vans shoes. She is missing from home. Anyone with information on these events should contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100 and refer to case #230001801


On 01/11/2023 at approximately 11:52 am, Takoma Park Police units were dispatched to 6400 block of New Hampshire Avenue Takoma Park, for an armed robbery carjacking that just occurred at a gas station. Upon arrival, Officers met with victim, who advised he was robbed and carjacked by an unknown suspect, described as a black male about 6 “3” in height, wearing a black ski mask and all black clothing.

The victim exited his vehicle which he left running and locked at the time. He further advised that he observed a black Dodge charger with black tinted windows drive into the parking lot and park nearby. When the victim exited the store, and he observed the suspect attempting to open the driver’s side door to his BMW X6 vehicle. Once he reached the field/grass area the suspect then chased him and pointed a black handgun towards him demanding his car/fob keys and wallet.


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