Germantown Archives - Page 83 of 147

Police Investigating Attempted Armed Robbery in Germantown; $10,000 Reward Offered for Information Leading to Arrest

Published June 23, 2023 at 1:37PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District Investigative Section are investigating an attempted armed robbery that occurred on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in the 19200 block of Cross Ridge Dr. Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the male suspects. The investigation by detectives has revealed that the two male suspects approached the adult male victim, displayed handguns and demanded the victim’s property. Eventually, the suspects ran away without taking anything from the victim.

The first suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5-feet, 8-inches, to 5-feet, 9-inches tall, between the ages of 17 and 18, wearing a black sweatshirt, black pants and red and black sneakers. The second suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5-feet, 6-inches, to 5-feet, 9-inches tall, between the ages of 17 and 18, wearing a black sweatshirt, black pants and yellow and black sneakers.

MoCo Native Jordan Hawkins Drafted 14th Overall in the 2023 NBA Draft

By MCS Staff

Published June 23, 2023 at 10:55AM

Jordan Hawkins, who is coming off of leading the UConn Huskies to a National Championship, has reached another milestone. The young man from Gaithersburg was drafted 14th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2023 NBA Draft. Hawkins is a Montgomery County native who attended Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Germantown and Gaithersburg High School for his freshman and sophomore years before transferring to DeMatha.

Hawkins was a top 50 recruit, who came to UConnfollowing two years at powerhouse program DeMathaCatholic (Hyattsville, Md.) under Coach Mike Jones. He played AAU for Team Durant under Coach Angel Hernandez, and as a senior at DeMatha, averaged 19.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.9 blocks, while shooting .636 overall and .464 from three-point range to lead DeMatha to an 11-0 record and was named 2020-21 Gatorade Maryland Player of the Year. Hawkins was a two-time Washington Post All-Met Honorable Mention pick and averaged 20.2 points per game as a sophomore when he was at Gaithersburg High School (per UCONN).

CVS to Close One of its Germantown Locations in the Coming Months

By MCS Staff

Published June 23, 2023 at 9:45AM

A representative from CVS at 18080 Mateny Rd in the Cloppers Mill shopping center has confirmed that the store will be closing in the “coming months.” Signage indicating the store will be closing has not yet been posted, according to the representative. CVS also recently closed its locations at 9140 Rothbury Drive in the Goshen Crossing shopping center in Gaithersburg/Montgomery Village and at 10113 New Hampshire Ave in the Hillandale Shopping Center. In 2021, CVS announced that it would be closing approximately 900 stores “over the next 3 years due to changes in population, consumer buying patterns, and future health needs.” CVS locations at Rockville Town Square (360 Hungerford Drive) and Twinbrook Center (2210 Veirs Mill Rd) both closed last year as well.

CVS has recently opened locations at 311 Kentlands Blvd in Gaithersburg and at 22701 Gosnell Farm Dr in Clarksburg. CVS is also expected to open a location in the new Westside at Shady Grove Metro development, in the area across from the strip that contains Starbucks, Inspire Nails, Kids Ground, and more (Crabbs Branch Way and Gramercy Blvd). Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

Germantown Serial Bank Robber Who Attempted to Disarm Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced to 32 Years

By Patrick Herron

Published June 22, 2023 at 3:14PM

Per the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office: In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Karla Smith has sentenced defendant, Steven Ray Beitzel Jr., 33, of Germantown to 85 years in prison suspend all but 32 years and five years of supervised probation upon release. The sentencing hearing was held yesterday, June 21^st, 2023.

On March 23^rd, 2023, after a two-day trial, a jury found Beitzel guilty of one count of Attempt to Disarm Law Enforcement and two counts of Second-Degree Assault. Following the conviction, the State and defendant entered into a plea agreement to resolve four remaining criminal cases involving charges including Motor Vehicle Theft, Assault, Armed Robbery, Robbery and Burglary. This stems from a string of incidents in 2021 and 2022.

MCFRS Respond to Fire in Trash Enclosure Early Thursday Morning in Germantown

By MCS Staff

Published June 22, 2023 at 9:52AM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for a fire at the Farmingdale Condos on Chalet Dr, off of Great Seneca Highway, Farmingdale Condos, in Germantown […]

Ms. Ida Pearl, MoCo Born and Raised, Celebrated Her 105th Birthday

By MCS Staff

Published June 20, 2023 at 9:31PM

Ida Pearl (known to most as Pearl) was born and raised on Riffle Ford Road. She was born in 1918 and on Thursday, June 18, she celebrated her 105th birthday!

She has lived the last 70+ years on Quince Orchard Road, just couple miles away from her childhood home. She is a faithful and dedicated member of Fairhaven United Methodist Church and a loyal trustee of the Pleasant View Historical Association. Some know her as “The Avon Lady,” as she has been one for over 60 years.

Gas Leak Closes Roads in Germantown; Significant Delays Expected

By MCS Staff

Published June 20, 2023 at 5:59PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services responded to contractors hitting a gas line at 19900 Century Blvd near Crystal Rock Dr. at TD Bank in Germantown at approximately 5:40pm on Tuesday evening. The bank building has been evacuated and the area is being secured as units await the arrival of Washington Gas. Century Blvd is currently closed at Crystal Rock Dr. due to the gas leak. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route and significant delays are expected.

Per MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer: “19900 Century Blvd., near Crystal rock Dr.,, TD Bank, Germantown, contractors hit gas line, @mcfrs PE729, PE735, PE734, PE722, E753, T734, AT735, RS729, A722, A735, HM728, SU725, BC705, BC703, T725, EMS703, SA700 & others responding, Bank building being evacuated” Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

Where to Watch Fireworks in Montgomery County This July

By Patrick Herron

Published June 20, 2023 at 11:22AM

The City of Rockville will hold its annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks display at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm on Tuesday, July 4th from 7pm to 10pm. “This location offers wonderful spectator viewing, and ample and convenient parking for the 4th of July festivities. Enjoy live music by Vertigo Red and a 20-minute fireworks display.”

MCPD: Traffic Stop in Germantown Leads to Arrest for Possession With Intent to Distribute and Firearm Charges

By Patrick Herron

Published June 16, 2023 at 3:16PM

Per MCPD: Officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police- 5th District Community Action Team have arrested 20-year-old, Elvis Gomez of Boyds, for possessing a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute and a privately manufactured firearm (PMF).

At approximately 5:30 p.m., officers observed a blue 2016 Toyota Corolla commit a moving violation in the area of Wisteria Drive and Father Hurley Boulevard. Officers initiated a traffic stop of the Toyota, which turned into a shopping center in the area. When the vehicle stopped the front and rear passengers jumped out of the car and ran away. Gomez, who was driving the Toyota, remained on scene. After talking with officers, Gomez took off on foot, running down Wisteria Drive. While running, officers observed Gomez throw the keys to his vehicle into a sewer drain. Gomez was quickly apprehended without incident.

Police and Family Concerned for Missing 57-Year-Old

By Patrick Herron

Published June 15, 2023 at 10:38AM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating William Edward Mease a missing 57-year-old from Germantown.

Mease was last seen on Friday, June 2, 2023, in the area of Doxdam Court. Mease is approximately 5-feet, 9-inches tall and weighs 220 pounds. He has brown hair. It is unknown what clothing he was last seen wearing. Police and family are concerned for his welfare.

Six Community Leaders to be Honored with ‘African American Living Legend Awards’ on Friday, June 16, at BlackRock Center in Germantown

By Patrick Herron

Published June 15, 2023 at 7:37AM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County’s 26th Juneteenth Celebration, themed “Journey to Freedom . . . Memorialize the Struggle, Celebrate the Successes and Secure the Justice and Equality,” will kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 16, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown when Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich presents “African American Living Legend Awards” to six County residents. This year’s honorees are Henry Hailstock, Jr., Rev. Theresa M. Henderson, Pauline G. Johnson, Sheila G. Ogilvie, Vernon H. Ricks, Jr. and Lt. Colonel Shelton (Ivan) Ware.

The Juneteenth celebration will continue at BlackRock with activities from noon-10 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. The BlackRock Center is located at 12901 Town Commons Dr. in Germantown. The public is invited to the award ceremonies. The event is free to attend. The African American Living Legend Awards honor distinguished individuals who have helped shape the cultural heritage of the African American community. The 2023 awards will be presented to six individuals who have dedicated their lives to service, advocacy and selfless acts of kindness to their community.