The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) responded to a call for a shooting in White Oak was received at approximately 9:16 pm. According to MCPD, “3rd District officers responded to the area of the 11400 block of Lockwood Dr. An adult male was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.”
We’ll have additional information when it becomes available. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.
#Breaking Man shot on the 11400 block of Lockwood Dr around 9:16pm. He was transported to an area hospital. The extent of the injuries are unknown at this time. #MCP pic.twitter.com/Fe5NkxDa2u
— Allison Papson (@AllisonPapson) October 26, 2023
MCPS Athletics is piloting pickleball as a new corollary sport at 11 high schools this fall. USA Pickleball instructor Rob Campbell from MoCo Pickleball held a training session for coaches to prepare them for the season.
The schools that will field teams are: Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Montgomery Blair, James Hubert Blake, Clarksburg, Richard Montgomery, John F. Kennedy, Quince Orchard, Sherwood, Springbrook, Watkins Mill and Wheaton. Watch the video below from the first week of competition as the Sports Insight crew visited Wheaton and Kennedy (courtesy of MCPS).
The goal of corollary sports is to increase interscholastic athletics participation opportunities for all students, in particular students with disabilities. An important goal of corollary teams is to achieve an approximately even ratio of participants with and without disabilities. Other corollary sports include Team Handball in the fall, Bocce in the winter and Allied Softball in the spring.
A man who escaped custody August 12 from the Virginia Department of Corrections while at a medical facility in Henrico County, Virginia and stole a car in Gaithersburg is back in custody today, according to the U.S. Marshals.
Per the U.S. Marshals: “Naseem Roulack, 21, was arrested at approximately 9 a.m. at a hotel in the 6700 block of Commerce Street in Springfield, Virginia, by the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force and Fairfax County Police Department.
When arresting officers knocked on his hotel door, Roulack allegedly attempted to flee by jumping from a third-floor window with an assault rifle, injuring his arm and dropping the gun. Following a short foot chase, he was taken into custody and given medical attention. He was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
Roulack was serving a 13-year sentence for charges of aggravated malicious wounding, grand larceny and hit-and-run when he escaped custody, but is also facing kidnapping, armed robbery, armed carjacking, first-degree assault and vehicle theft charges for a Sept. 1 incident in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
The U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force had been looking for him since Aug. 12.
The mission of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Force (CARFTF) is to locate and apprehend the most violent and dangerous fugitives throughout the Washington metropolitan area. With offices in Washington, Virginia, and Maryland, the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Force has developed, and will continue to develop, relationships with numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to help ensure the safety of the citizens of our nation’s capital and surrounding areas.”
Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and Public Defender Natasha M. Dartigue today announced the creation of the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative (MEJC), a new initiative dedicated to reducing the mass incarceration of African Americans and other marginalized groups in Maryland prisons and jails. The goal is to examine the scope and causes of this crisis, and to develop a comprehensive plan for reform and recommendations by January 2025.
“The disproportionate mass incarceration of Marylanders, felt most starkly in the African American community, is a devastating trauma in our State that demands our immediate and abiding attention and resolve,” said Attorney General Brown. “It is a sad reality that the vast majority of people who have been removed from communities across the country and put behind bars are Black. The formation of the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative will bring together experts from the criminal justice system, academia, government, and the community to identify the underlying causes of this crisis and develop a roadmap for reform. I’m honored to launch this historic collaboration with Public Defender Dartigue.”
“As the first-ever advocacy partnership between the Attorney General and Public Defender, the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative will bring renewed focus to the development and implementation of meaningful reform in the criminal legal system and will amplify the voices of the marginalized communities in more expansive ways. I applaud Attorney General Brown for prioritizing the elimination of mass incarceration, and for taking the bold step to partner with OPD to get this critical work done. We hope that the historic magnitude of this partnership inspires the significant changes that are urgently needed,” said Public Defender Dartigue. “I am thankful for the expertise of our diverse group of community stakeholders and their willingness to join us in this endeavor to address the crisis of mass incarceration and its particularly harsh impact on Black communities and other marginalized populations.”
African Americans constitute approximately 30% of Maryland’s population but make up a staggering 72% of our prison population – the highest percentage of imprisoned African Americans in the country. More specifically, Black men make up 14% of Maryland’s general population but a staggering 73% of the state’s male prison population, while Black women make up 16% of the state’s population but a disproportionate 53% of the female prison population. Nearly 80% of those serving
sentences of 10 years or more are Black, and 41% entered prison as young adults.
The consequences of this crisis are grave – from shattered family and community bonds to lost job skills, lower life expectancies, and forfeited opportunities for wealth accumulation. The determination to put an end to these harms suffered by so many, and to chart a path for a brighter future for all, is the foundation on which the MEJC was born. The MEJC is a partnership between the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, and the University System of Maryland through the Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. Center for Education, Justice & Ethics at University of Maryland College Park, and the Institute for Restorative Justice and Practices at Bowie
State University.
“The United States incarcerates more people per capita, than any other nation in the world. Mass incarceration is a pervasive problem that has significantly contributed to the devastation of families and communities,” said the Honorable Judge Alexander Williams. “Despite a reduction in incarceration rates in the U.S., Black people remain overrepresented in our prison and jail populations. America’s failure to sufficiently address the underlying causes of mass incarceration, which disproportionately imparts minority populations, is one of the grand challenges of our time.”
“This initiative is an opportunity to help change the lives of individuals, families and communities,” said Dr. Aminta Breaux, president of Bowie State University. “By collaborating and working with the Attorney General, Public Defender and the other
partners on this project, we can provide more hope for people. Maryland can make a difference and reverse the decades long pattern of black and brown people dominating our prison population.”
To accomplish its goals, the MEJC will be comprised of committees focused on the issues that drive incarceration rates. Each committee will be led by a representative from the Attorney General’s Office, the Office of the Public Defender, and a community partner. More than three dozen criminal justice key government, community and private sector stakeholders will be involved in this work which include:
ACLU
Annie E. Casey Foundation Juvenile
Justice Strategy Group
CASA
Caucus of African American Leaders of
Anne Arundel County
Center for Urban Families
Disability Rights Maryland
Federal Public Defender for the District of
Maryland
Members of the Maryland Congressional
Delegation
Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney’s
Association
Maryland Department of Health
Maryland Department of Housing &
Community Development
Maryland Department of Human Services
Maryland Department of Juvenile
Services
Fenix Youth Project Inc.
FreeState Justice
Gatekeepers
Institute for Restorative Justice and
Practices at Bowie State University
Job Opportunities Task Force
Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. Center for
Education, Justice & Ethics at University
of Maryland
Justice Policy Institute
Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle
Life After Release
Maryland Administrative Office of the
Courts
Maryland Alliance for Justice Reform
Maryland Chiefs of Police Association
Maryland Department of Labor
Maryland Judiciary
Maryland NAACP
Maryland Sheriffs’ Association
Maryland State’s Attorney’s Association
Mayor of Baltimore’s Office
Office of the Attorney General
Office of the Public Defender
Out for Justice
TIME Organization
Turnaround Tuesday
University of Baltimore Center for
Criminal Justice Reform
University of Maryland School of Law
Gibson-Banks Center for Race and the
Law
Youth Advocate Programs
MEJC’s structure and makeup was guided, in part, by input received during listening sessions, held by the Attorney General and Public Defender, to gather critical feedback from residents, small business owners, stakeholder organizations, formerly incarcerated individuals, and others directly impacted by this crisis.
The MEJC held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Bowie State University. The public can access a recording of the meeting here: https://youtube.com/live/RvLsmEmPgHQ?feature=share.
The MEJC will host a public forum on November 6, 2023, at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, which the public is encouraged to attend. An MEJC website is also currently in development so that Marylanders can access the latest developments and follow MEJC’s progress as we work towards building a more fair, just, and equitable Maryland.
Montgomery Parks invites the public to celebrate the renovation of Hillandale Local Park on November 4, from 1–3 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by games and refreshments. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to help support the St. Camillus Food Pantry. The Hillandale Local Park renovation includes a new restroom and picnic shelter, multi-age playground, log challenge course, lighted basketball courts, a high-performance athletic field, and walking trail, as well as tree preservation and storm water management facilities.
WHAT: Hillandale Local Park Reopening Ribbon-Cutting Celebration
DATE/TIME: Saturday, November 4, 2023 (Rain date: November 11, 2023) 1– 3 p.m.
WHERE: 10615 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring
DETAILS: The renovation celebration will feature a brief speaking program, games and activities, such as pumpkin painting, refreshments, and giveaways. There will also be a food drive and touch-a-truck with the Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department. The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection will be offering energy saving tips and hosting a light bulb exchange, which allows people to exchange their high-energy light bulbs for up to three energy-efficient light bulbs. More information about the light bulb exchange can be found online at Montgomery Energy Connection.
About Hillandale Local Park: Hillandale Local Park is a 24.5-acre park that was acquired by the Commission in 1943. The park contains a picnic shelter, multi-age playground, basketball courts, athletic field and walking trail. There are 13.2 acres of environmentally sensitive land, including a perennial tributary to the Paint Branch.
Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (At-Large), chair of the Education and Culture (EC) Committee, released the following statement related to recent gun violence and bomb threats.
We all deserve to be safe in our communities, homes and schools. The recent reports of bomb threats, gun violence and guns found in or near our schools are highly disturbing and unacceptable.
The shooting in Fairland on Monday night resulted in the 22nd homicide this year. Several schools have been the targets of bomb threats and a gun was recently found in an elementary and high school. Violence and threats of violence harm our physical and mental wellbeing. We must reject violence and work together to address both the root causes and immediate safety needs.
I am encouraged that Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is working closely with the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) to investigate school threats and support a safe learning environment. The safety of all our students, educators and staff is of the utmost importance. I am in contact with MCPS and MCPD regarding these recent incidents, and the Education and Culture Committee has ongoing discussions scheduled related to school safety. We are committed to keeping our communities safe.
As a society, we must work toward more sensible gun laws and a culture that values the dignity of every human life. As a parent, I urge families to talk with the young people in their lives and emphasize the serious repercussions from bringing weapons to school and engaging in violent behavior. I invite residents and community leaders to come together to create safer communities. We must work together to develop community-led, data-informed decisions and policies. If you have any information about these incidents, please contact MCPD.”
Statement by White’s Ferry: “To encourage the re-opening of White’s Ferry, ferry owners Chuck and Stacy Kuhn worked closely with Maryland, Virginia, Montgomery, and Loudoun Counties, and previous ferry owner Herb Brown to once again make an offer to purchase the Virginia landing site from Rockland Farm in an effort to get the ferry reopened for its nearly 1,100 daily users. The newest offer is now for $1.25 million for the 1.4 acres, an increase from the last offer in January of $1.1 million. Both offers are well above the land value.
Other options also recently proposed by the Kuhns as ways to get the ferry opened as soon as possible, include:
· Selling the ferry directly to Rockland Farms or to Montgomery County or the state of Maryland.
· Donating the ferry, the ferry business, and the Maryland landing to the county if Rockland Farm would donate the Virginia landing.
It’s unclear whether Rockland Farm owners will accept the new offer, buy the ferry, or consider donating their land as the Kuhns have suggested. Or whether the local jurisdictions will purchase the ferry. The Kuhns remain committed to getting the ferry open to the local community as quickly as possible and await an answer.”
Halloween is less than a week away. Time for all the little witches, ghosts, and goblins to go out in search of treats. It is an exciting time for children of all ages, but Takoma Park Police wants to make sure everyone understands how to keep themselves safe, whether they are with their parents or out with friends. Tips below:
• Make sure your child’s costume is bright and reflective since it will become dark outside during their trick-or-treating. If it’s not, consider putting reflective tape or stripping on their costumes. Make sure their shoes fit well and their costumes are short enough that they don’t find themselves tripping.
• Put your child’s name, address, and phone number somewhere on them, especially for little ones, in case they get separated from you.
• Review with your child “Stop-Drop-Roll” in case their costume does come in contact with fire.
When trick-or-treating, remind your child(ren):
• By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
• Stay in a group, walk slowly, and communicate where you are going.
• Only trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
•Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
• Always walk. Never run across a street.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks.
• Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway, or alley.
• Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.
• Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
• No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
In February 2023, a petition was submitted to the Montgomery County Board of Education requesting that the Board consider renaming Col. Zadok Magruder High School, based on Col. Magruder being an enslaver (additional information here, per Montgomery History). According to a flyer put out by MCPS, The Board of Education accepted the petition and authorized further community engagement to determine the community interest in renaming the school.
Per the flyer, “The Magruder school community – students, families, staff, and alumni – are invited to participate in community dialogues to discuss the meaning the school name holds for them and how the school name affirms the school’s educational mission and values.” In-person and virtual sessions have already begun, with a list of all of them available (and additional info on the flyer) below:
IN-PERSON SESSIONS:
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m., Shady Grove MS
Thursday, Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m., Flower Hill ES
VIRTUAL SESSIONS: Zoom Friday, October 27, 12pm-1pm
Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps
