Damascus Archives - Page 14 of 27

Suspects Arrested for Series of Residential Burglaries; Ghost Gun Recovered From Stolen Vehicle

Published August 25, 2023 at 10:46AM

Detectives from the 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th Districts Investigative Sections, along with detectives from Gaithersburg Police, collaborated and determined that a series of residential burglaries were committed by the same suspects. The investigation by detectives has revealed that the two suspects posed as workers wearing a reflective vest, forced entry into at least 7 homes, stole property and left the scenes.

Inaugural Maryland Cider Festival is Coming This September

By MCS Staff

Published August 8, 2023 at 11:01PM

The inaugural Maryland Cider Festival is on its way – Saturday, September 9th at Two Story Chimney Ciderworks (7115 Damascus Rd. Gaitherburg, MD 20882) from 11am until 4pm. This event will showcase hard cider makers from across the Old Line State. You’ll also find local artisans, craft vendors, live music, and food trucks. Whether you’re an aficionado who knows their cider, cidre, or sidra, or you’re just looking for a refreshing change of taste this is the place to be. Come join us for a celebration of Maryland craft makers.

The festival will feature ten local cideries showcasing their best hard ciders, from dry to sweet, still to sparkling, modern to heritage, and everything in between. Ciders of all styles and types will be in glass for you to sample and take home, and you’ll get to learn more about the cider-making process from the experts. The festival will also have food trucks serving up delicious bites to pair with your cider, live music from local musicians for your enjoyment, and local craft vendors selling their unique and handmade products.

Collision Leads to Downed Utility Pole That Closes Road in Damascus Thursday Morning

By MCS Staff

Published August 3, 2023 at 8:55AM

Traffic advisory, per Montgomery County Police: Johnson Drive at Bethesda Church and Johnson Drive at Mountain View are closed following a collision (Damascus). A utility pole is down, and Pepco is en route. Drivers should seek an alternate route and expect significant delays. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

MCPD: 19-Year-Old Charged in Connection with Damascus Murder; 16-Year-Old Primary Suspect Still Wanted

By Patrick Herron

Published August 2, 2023 at 3:27PM

Per MCPD: A 19-year-old from Damascus has been arrested and charged with murder, in connection with a Father’s Day homicide. Khamani Imes was arrested on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, for allegedly giving a gun to Isaiah Brown-Hawkins that was used in the homicide of 33-year-old James Joel Austin on Sunday, June 18. The 16-year-old allegedly shot Austin and then drove away in the victim’s Honda that was located in Washington, DC. Brown-Hawkins was not with the vehicle and has not been found.

Imes was taken into custody at his Bethesda Church Road home where Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes detectives, with the assistance of the MCPD SWAT Unit, executed a search warrant. A firearm was recovered during a search of the residence. Imes was placed under arrest for underage possession of a firearm and transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he was also charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy. He is being held without bond.

MCFRS Respond to Collision Involving Motorcycle and Dump Truck Monday Afternoon

By Patrick Herron

Published July 24, 2023 at 5:12PM | Updated July 24, 2023 at 5:40PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a collision involving a motorcycle and a dump truck on Monday, July 24 around 4:30pm. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the collision occurred on Ridge Rd and Hawkes Rd in Damascus, close to Cedar Grove Elementary School, and involved one person trapped under the truck. EMS evaluated one adult with Priority 2 trauma.

According to MCPD, “Ridge Rd. is closed at Hawkes Rd. as the result of a traffic collision. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route. Expect significant delays.” We will post an update when additional information becomes available.

Maryland Department of the Environment Encourages Water Conservation with Drought Watch for Portions of the State

By MCS Staff

Published July 21, 2023 at 6:44AM

Per The Maryland Department of the Environment: The Maryland Department of the Environment is urging citizens and businesses in a large part of the state to voluntarily reduce their water usage as a drought watch has been issued. “Water conservation is a good practice year-round, but we are asking residents and businesses to pay particular attention during the summer months when the State can experience hot and dry conditions,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain.

“You can do your part by limiting the use and duration of sprinklers for lawns, taking short showers as opposed to baths, and not leaving the faucet running while brushing your teeth. These things sound simple, but it all adds up.” A drought watch has been issued for Western Maryland and portions of Central Maryland based on lower-than-normal stream flows and groundwater levels for this time of year. During a drought watch, MDE increases oversight of water supply conditions and encourages voluntary water conservation practices. No mandatory water use restrictions have been issued.

Concern for Missing Twenty-Five-Year-Old Woman

By MCS Staff

Published July 16, 2023 at 11:33PM

Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating missing 25-year-old missing adult from Damascus– Johnnai Slater.

She was last seen on Friday, July 14th at approximately 2pm leaving her residence on Honeysuckle Ct. in Damascus. She is 5’5, black hair, a scar above her left eye on her forehead, and has a Roman numeral tattoo on her arm. She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and black shorts.

Mr. MoCo’s 15 Favorite Ice Cream Spots in MoCo

By MCS Staff

Published July 16, 2023 at 10:29AM | Updated July 22, 2023 at 7:53AM

In honor of National Ice Cream Day (Sunday, July 16th), I wanted to share my current 15 favorite ice cream spots in MoCo. I say current because this list often changes with places moving in and out of my rotation. While I love just about every ice cream place there is, I’m choosing the 15 that appeal to me the most right now. I’m also including places that offer “frozen treats” because I consider it all in the ice cream family. If there’s a place not listed, it’s just not currently in my top 15, which is likely to look different than yours (I’m only one person and can only eat so much ice cream, so there are also likely places I haven’t been to yet 😊). The list you’ll see below is accurate as of July 16th, 2023:

15. Sprinkles (Potomac): A Potomac Village staple since the late 80s, I first tried Sprinkles at some point in the 90s. It’s a bit out of the way in terms of things I’ve done in general so I haven’t been lately, but I enjoy it when I go.

Damascus Teenager Wanted for Father’s Day Murder

By MCS Staff

Published July 14, 2023 at 1:50PM

Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes detectives are looking for a 16-year-old wanted in connection with the shooting death of a Damascus man killed on Father’s Day. Isaiah Jamael Brown-Hawkins is accused of shooting and killing 32-year-old James Joel Austin on Sunday, June 18 in the 9800 block of Bethesda Church Road in Damascus.

At approximately 9:58 p.m., 5th District officers responded to the address for calls of a shooting. Officers located the victim in the parking lot of the apartment complex with an apparent gunshot wound. Austin was pronounced dead at the scene. Brown-Hawkins drove away in a Honda that was located in Washington, DC, however Brown-Hawkins has not been found.

$170,566 Winning Lottery Ticket Sold at Liberty Has Been Claimed

By Patrick Herron

Published July 11, 2023 at 3:51PM | Updated July 15, 2023 at 2:49PM

A Montgomery County resident is $170,566 richer after claiming a winning FAST PLAY lottery ticket purchased on June 22nd at the Liberty Gas Station (26241 Ridge Rd) in Damascus. Full story below courtesy of MD Lottery:

A Damascus man visited Lottery headquarters recently to cash a ticket that, to his surprise, couldn’t be cashed at the retailer where he purchased it. When the clerk explained the reason he was turned away, the $170,566 winner was in utter disbelief. The Montgomery County resident is a landscaper who rarely buys Lottery tickets. “Once in a while I’ll decide to,” he said, adding, “and only if I have cash in my pocket. If not, I wait until next time.”

Vehicle Fire on Ridge Rd Sends One Adult to Burn Center

By MCS Staff

Published June 30, 2023 at 6:11PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services responded to a call for a vehicle fire that occurred on Ridge Rd. on Friday afternoon. The fire extended to the home the vehicle was parked at. According to Battalion Chief Jason Blake, one adult was was burned and taken to the burn center. Though there was damage to the home, no residents were displaced.

Ridge Rd (Gaithersburg) vehicle fire with exposure to a home. One adult burned, transported to the Burn Center. No residents displaced. PE728, PE732, PAT708, M708 & BC705. @mcfrsPIO pic.twitter.com/jlfbzaesXQ