MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: Our thoughts are first and foremost with the Nichols family and the people of Memphis as they grieve the senseless murder of Tyre Nichols. Our nation once again mourns the brutal loss of a young Black man’s life at the hands of law enforcement and must now cope with the collective trauma that this tragedy has triggered.

It’s difficult to grasp the lack of humanity that was displayed by these officers during this heinous incident. We share the outrage and pain felt all across our country, at the disregard of basic human rights at the hands of those who took oath to protect and serve the public. As a county, a state, and a nation, we must have zero tolerance for police brutality.


Rockville

Full statement: “It is another sad day for the country and the law enforcement community. We have no doubt taken many steps backwards this evening. The actions of the Memphis police officers against Mr. Tyre Nichols is appalling and inexcusable.

Law enforcement agencies across the nation have worked tirelessly to better themselves and their reputations in their respective communities and cities, particularly since the death of George Floyd in 2020. These incidents are troubling and disgraceful, not only to the public and those who put their trust in this profession, but to every police officer who has taken the oath to protect and serve to heart. We cannot just say we will do better; we all must do better.


MoCo Police

Chief Marcus Jones has released a statement on the death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old man who died from injuries sustained by police after a traffic stop on January 7 in Memphis, TN. Memphis Police are scheduled to release body-cam footage of the incident on Friday evening.  All five of the Memphis Police officers involved have been fired and indicted on murder charges. Per MCPD: “Our nation and the law enforcement community are once again faced with the death of a man at the hands of people who have taken an oath to protect and serve.

Five Memphis Police Officers have been fired and indicted on charges including murder and kidnapping in the death of Tyre Nichols. The Memphis, Tennessee officers also face charges of official misconduct and official oppression. Their actions are indefensible.


Gaithersburg

Poke Bros, which opened its first restaurant in 2016 and has since expanded to over 75 restaurants across the country, will be opening its first MoCo location in Gaithersburg’s Kentlands neighborhood. The restaurant will be taking over the space that was previously home to Next Day Blinds at 107 Market St W until 2020.

More bout Poke Bros: After the founders were introduced to the Hawaiian staple on a trip to California. The appeal of this fast and casual—while healthy—concept immediately inspired the founders to begin thinking how they could bring this unique dish to the midwest. From its inception, we were confident the foodies of Columbus would love the poké concept, but wanted to provide an inexpensive and accessible product in the larger market. After some intense research and trial and error, the Poké Bros founders developed their own brand of poké bowl flavor they are proud to share and call their own. Modeling similar assembly line casual dining concepts, we developed a unique way to build your “sushi in a bowl” and have fun doing so! As the poké movement has caught on, Poké Bros has rapidly expanded into multiple states across the Midwest and East Coast, offering the same fresh and authentic cuisine to a wider range of customers. We will continue to stick to our roots, as Poké Bros continues to grow, and offer only the best fresh ingredients that fill you up but don’t slow you down.


Event

Beautiful venue; great art, gifts and hand-crafted items; refreshments; and meet the award-winning painters, photographers, mixed media artists, ceramicists, fiber artists, and more – some 40 artists in all. It’s an extraordinary array of framed wall works, 3-d media including sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and fiber pieces, and unframed prints.

Among them, you’ll see:


Silver Spring

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department Police – Major Crimes Division are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Keylin Yolibeth Chavez-Dominguez, a missing 20-year-old from Silver Spring. Chavez-Dominguez was last seen by her family and friends at approximately 6 p.m., on Friday, December 30, 2022, in her apartment in the 12300 block of Braxfield Court.

A witness claims to have seen her leaving the Braxfield Court apartment complex with a Hispanic male on Saturday, December 31, 2022. The witness saw her wearing a white sweater, a tan vest, black leggings and dark colored boots.


Crime

On January 18, 2023, a Gaithersburg Police Department patrol officer observed a white Mercedes traveling on S Summit Avenue with an expired registration plate. A traffic stop was initiated and upon speaking with the driver, the officer smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The officer inquired with the driver if there was anything illegal in the vehicle and the driver advised there was a handgun inside. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Ruger revolver in the front driver door pocket. Upon inspection of the revolver, officers observed the serial number had been removed. The driver, a 27-year-old, male from Silver Spring, MD was arrested and charged with the following:

Information per Gaithersburg Police


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: In recognition of National Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day on Jan. 27, low-to-moderate income Montgomery County residents are reminded that valuable tax credits, including the State and Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credits and County’s Working Families Income Supplement, may help them and provide thousands of dollars in tax refunds.

To help residents access these credits, the Community Action Agency’s (CAA) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Partnership hosts free tax sites throughout the community for households earning $60,000 or less. VITA sites offer in-person appointments in Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Rockville and Wheaton. Virtual appointments also are available.


Derwood

The first 100 customers at the renovated Wendy’s in Derwood could receive free food for a year. The renovated Wendy’s location at 15807 Frederick Rd will hold its grand re-opening on Saturday, January 28th. As the fast food chain did with its 18425 Woodfield Rd restaurant in Gaithersburg, they’ll give away 100 VIP ticket to those 16 and older and present in line at 10:30am when the dining room opens (a purchase is necessary to be considered for a card). Anyone who gets a VIP ticket will be able to come back to the store once a week for a year to receive a free sandwich, salad, or breakfast biscuit.


Crime

On January 26, at approximately 9:11 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the 700 block of Devonshire Avenue for an attempted shed burglary. Sometime overnight, unknown suspect(s) attempted to pry open the locks on the victim’s shed but was unsuccessful.  Property was not stolen. Investigation continues under case #230004230. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.

On January 26, at approximately 9:20 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the 700 block of Ethan Allen Avenue for the report of an attempt stolen auto.  Unknown suspect(s) attempted to steal the victim’s vehicle sometime between 10:00 pm January 25 and 9:00 am January 26.  The suspect pulled wires and damaged the steering wheel column; however, was unsuccessful in stealing the vehicle. Investigation continues under case #230004232.  Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.


Burtonsville

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 3rd District Investigative Section are investigating a Burtonsville commercial burglary. Detectives have released surveillance video of the suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him.

On Saturday, January 7, 2023, at approximately 3:05 p.m., 3rd District officers responded to the SiteOne Landscaping Supply store in the 4100 block of Sandy Spring Rd., for the report of a burglary that occurred earlier.