Montgomery County Police responded to a fatal shooting that took place in the 19500 block of Gunners Branch Road around 8pm on Friday night.  According to MCPD, “when 5th District officers arrived, they found several shell casings in the parking lot of the apartment complex and located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds behind one of the apartment buildings.

Officers provided aide until Montgomery County Fire Rescue responded. The 57-year-old male was pronounced dead on scene.  Witnesses stated that they saw several people drive away from the location and there are no suspects in custody at this time. It is too early in the investigation to provide suspect or vehicle descriptions.”


Update 6/10: Montgomery County Police responded to a fatal shooting that took place in the 19500 block of Gunners Branch Road around 8pm on Friday night.  According to MCPD, “when 5th District officers arrived, they found several shell casings in the parking lot of the apartment complex and located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds behind one of the apartment buildings.

Officers provided aide until Montgomery County Fire Rescue responded. The 57-year-old male was pronounced dead on scene.  Witnesses stated that they saw several people drive away from the location and there are no suspects in custody at this time. It is too early in the investigation to provide suspect or vehicle descriptions.”


According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, “Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before the Honorable John Maloney, a jury convicted defendant, Kyle Noble, 30, of unknown address, on charges of second-degree murder and armed robbery for the death and robbery of 31-year-old Efrain Arias. Noble faces up to 60 years in prison and a 25-year mandatory minimum as this is his third conviction for a crime of violence in the state of Maryland. Noble committed this murder while on probation for a stabbing in Frederick County in April of 2017. He also pleaded guilty to robbery in Montgomery County in March of 2014. He is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on July 17th 2023.

This stems from an incident on September 15th 2019, when the defendant, Noble, confronted Efrain Arias as Arias exited a vehicle in the parking lot of the Extended Stay America hotel on Milestone Center Drive in Germantown. Noble chased the victim down a hill into a field near the parking lot, fatally stabbed him, then came back and robbed the dying victim of personal property. As stated by the prosecutors in court, the attack was fueled by drug-seeking behavior and a jealous rage, as the victim was a friend of the defendant’s ex-girlfriend.


New Grand Mart, a Korean grocery chain with locations across Maryland and Virginia, is now open at 13069 Wisteria Drive in the Germantown Plaza shopping center. It is located in the space previously occupied by Lotte Plaza, which closed in November. According to its website, “New Grand Mart carries a variety of fresh produce, fish, meats, and ethnic specialty items that is hard for other markets to match.”

In addition to the grocery store, New Grand Mart will also feature a food court. Vendors announced include Gogi Friends (Korean BBQ), Noodles & Friends (Korean-Chinese fusion), Tous les Jours (bakery), Sushi Friends, and Fortune Cha (bubble tea and dessert.) According to a representative at Grand Mart, the food court is scheduled to open in next month.


Three staff members have been honored with 2022–2023 Counselor of the Year awards. The trio—one each at the elementary, middle and high school levels—were recognized at the June 6 Board of Education business meeting.

The three have one thing in common—they don’t work alone. They all say their success would not have been possible without the support of their colleagues. As one said simply, “When we work as a team, everyone thrives.” The 2022–2023 Counselors of the Year are:


The investigation by detectives has revealed that on Saturday, July 23, 2022, the suspect entered the store, pointed a handgun at the employees and demanded money. The suspect removed an undisclosed amount of money from the registers and left the scene.


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a house fire in the 11500 blk of Brundidge Terrace, near Brandermill Drive in Germantown on Thursday, June 1 around 6pm. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the fire originated along the base of a fence and was likely caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. Damage is estimated to be ~$50K and there were no injuries reported. Piringer reminds residents, “Tossing your butt off the deck may seem like the easiest way to get rid of a ‘lit’ cigarette, but it can also be the easiest way to start a fire. Don’t be a flicker.”


The Independence Day celebrations will take place at the following locations:

“Our Independence Day fireworks displays are such wonderful events and the perfect opportunity to enjoy music, outdoors and time with family and friends,” said Montgomery County Recreation Director Robin Riley. “We look forward to celebrating together once again this summer.” Mid-County Sparkles will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 1 with concerts by Ocho de Bastos and Earth Wind and Fire Tribute Band. The only parking available on-site will be for individuals with disabilities. Free parking and shuttle service will be provided starting at 5:30 p.m., from Westfield Wheaton, located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road. Event goers who park at Westfield Wheaton prior to 5:30 p.m. may be subject to towing by the property owner. Follow the directional signs for event parking and shuttles.


Per MCPDDetectives from the Montgomery County of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Brianna Nicole Powers, a missing 16-year-old from Germantown.

Powers was last seen on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, approximately 12 p.m., in the 19400 block of Crystal Rock Dr. Powers is approximately 5-feet, 4-inches tall. She has brown eyes and brown hair. She was last seen wearing black and clear eyeglasses, a black hoodie, blue jeans, and black and white canvas Vans sneakers. Police and family are concerned for her welfare.


Alasya Dee Cross has been located safe and unharmed.

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Alasya Dee Cross, a missing 15-year-old from Germantown.   Alasya was last seen on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at her residence on Circle Gate Drive in Germantown.    Dakota is approximately 5-feet, 1-inch tall and weighs 110 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a navy blue t-shirt, dark colored sweat pants and black/white Victoria Secret Pink slides.


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