Per MCPD: 4th District officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police have arrested and charged a juvenile male as an adult with theft related charges and illegal possession of a privately manufactured firearm, also known as a “ghost gun.”

On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at approximately 12:57 p.m., officers responded to the Dick’s Sporting Goods store in the 11100 block of Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton for the report of a shoplifting.  When officers arrived at the location, they observed the suspects leaving the store with the stolen merchandise. Officers followed the suspects who ran to the Safeway store in the 11200 block of Georgia Ave. Officers entered the Safeway and observed the suspects in possession of the stolen items from the previous store.


Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County’s process for reviewing and approving development projects during the Development Review Process Workgroup listening sessions will provide one more opportunity for residents to provide input. Residents can sign up to provide feedback during the workgroup’s third and final listening session that will be held virtually from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2. The second listening session was held at the Wheaton Headquarters of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) on July 18.

The Maryland General Assembly’s Montgomery County delegation created the workgroup, which is chaired by State Delegate Lesley Lopez (D-District 39). It is examining the County’s development review process, with a special focus on finding opportunities to improve the County’s economic competitiveness. The workgroup’s July 18 listening session followed a June 22 listening session and three livestreamed workgroup work sessions June 9June 27 and July 12.


Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: The Independent Investigations Division of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General has identified the decedent and involved officer in the fatal shooting that occurred on July 22, 2023, in Montgomery County. The decedent has been identified as 19-year-old Franklin Castro Ordonez of Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The involved Montgomery County Police Officer has been identified as Officer Justin Lee. Officer Lee has been with the department for one-and-a-half years and is assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau. Per MCPD:


Per MCPD: A male suspected of stabbing four people was shot and killed by a Montgomery County Police officer late Saturday morning.

At approximately 10:36 a.m., on Saturday, July 22, 2023, Montgomery County Department of Police 4th District officers were dispatched to the Unique Thrift Store, located in the 12200 block of Veirs Mill Road, after receiving multiple calls for a stabbing that just occurred. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female suffering from apparent stab wounds.


Per Montgomery County Police: “MCPD 4th District officers are on scene of an officer involved shooting in the 4300 block of Havard Street. The Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division has been notified and are enroute. The scene is secured and there is not a current threat to the community.”

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer tweeted that MCFRS “assisted injured persons (from assault) found in several nearby locations within close proximity, @MCFRS_EMIHS transported at least 4 patients to local hospitals.”


District Bistro & Frank’s Burgers are coming to 11230 Grandview Ave in Wheaton-Glenmont, the former site of Umberto’s. The space will be split into two concepts with Franks on one side and District Bistro on the other, united by a kitchen in the back. Frank’s Burger Place is currently located at 11265 Triangle Ln. The new combination restaurant is hoping to open by the end of August.

According to owner Pedro Matamoros, District Bistro will be an American concept that is focused on “seasonality and use of local ingredients when permitted.” Menu items will include beef tartare, steak frites, roasted duck and lamb bolognaise, and its bar will focus on classic cocktails like Martinis and Manhattans. The restaurant also plans to eventually launch a brunch menu.


Nando’s Peri Peri is offering a free ¼ chicken in exchange for a donation of a new back-to-school item today, July 18, from 4-7pm at all its locations. The promotion is recognition of Nelson’s Mandela’s birthday.  Nando’s has Montgomery County locations in Gaithersburg, North Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton.

“July 18th is Nelson Mandela’s birthday. His birthday is recognized and celebrated world wide as Mandela day; a day for us all to inspire change and make a difference in our communities. At Nando’s we are proud of our South African heritage. We will join in celebrating his birthday on July 18th by following his example and giving back to our communities. Come to any Nando’s during this time and bring new school supplies to donate in exchange for a Free ¼ Chicken on us. All supplies will be donated to local schools and students.”


The Special Victims Investigations Division is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 16-year-old. Ramos Perez Age, 16, was last seen on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the Wheaton Metro Station. Perez is 5’4″, 125 lbs, with black hair and black eyes. She was last seen wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, black shirt and white Nike shoes with a blue check.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Anyi Ramos Perez is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).


The Blair Witch Project was released on this day in 1999, 24 years ago– the first installment of the Blair Witch franchise.  Did you know The Blair Witch Project was primarily filmed right here in Montgomery County?

In the indie supernatural horror, three film students camp in the fictional Black Hills Forest of Burkittsville, Maryland in October of 1994 to film a documentary on the local legend of the Blair Witch. Mysteriously, the trio vanishes, leaving behind hours of footage to be discovered a year later by University of Maryland anthropology students. What the viewer witnesses is this purportedly real home video style footage.


Target is kicking off its back-to-school and back-to-college season, announcing deep savings events and season-long deals to make back-to-school shopping easy and affordable for its guests. New this year, Target is also expanding its popular Teacher Appreciation Event to give teachers a one-time 20% discount on an entire shopping trip and bringing back a one-time 20% discount on an entire shopping trip for verified college students through Target Circle, the retailer’s free-to-join loyalty program. With deals starting at under $1 and most under $15, Target is offering even more ways to save as students and teachers prepare to return to school.

“Our back-to-school and back-to-college assortment features a broad range of essentials that are priced right for all families. From on-trend Cat & Jack outfits and fun and functional Room Essentials dorm décor, to supplies of all kinds from Mondo Llama and top national brands, Target has everything to help students from pre-K to college start the school year in affordable style,” said Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target. “We’re also pleased to expand our 20% teacher discount across the entire store and on Target.com, to provide teachers with even greater value on the items they need for their classrooms. Both teachers and students can count on Target for all their school-year gear at great prices.”


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