Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School math teacher and coach, Kevin Palafox, passed away on Saturday September 30th due to complications related to a recent medical diagnosis. The B-CC community, led by the Volleyball team he coached, is honoring him by putting together a fundraiser raising funds and awareness for leukemia and lymphoma.

The B-CC volleyball team shared the following via Instagram, In loving memory of Mr. Kevin K Palafox, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School volleyball program has decided to raise money and awareness for leukemia.

Mr. Palafox will forever be in our hearts as a kind and wonderful human being. He was an incredible volleyball coach, encouraging math teacher, and never failed to be a supportive and comforting person.

The goal is 10,000 dollars this year. In honor of him, please donate however big or small, and spread the word of awareness to friends and family.

Thank you,

You will be forever missed Mr. Palafox.

One B-CC student, @luvrenimm shared the following: “Mr.Palafox, though he had only been at B-CC for the past year and a half, was a favorite among many students, a close friend to many colleagues and other teachers, and made himself a fixture in the athletics and afterschool programs by serving as a coach and assistant athletic director at Bethesda Chevy Chase High school. Mr. Palafox was a valued member of our school community known to many students and staff and this loss has affected many of the members of our community. Sharing his story and raising awareness on Leukemia and Lymphoma is our goal, which is why our school volleyball team has made a fundraiser.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx4PdJotbvT/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Per WMATA: As part of Metro’s commitment to non-discrimination in providing transit services, we are revising our Title VI Program to better reflect and support our customers and the region. The proposed updates will help Metro provide better service, provide service adjustments more quickly, expand service, and increase the level of household income to qualify as low-income.

We want your feedback on the proposed changes to the Title VI Program. Take a survey here. Metro updates its Title VI Program every three years as required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). This includes definitions and other ways we collect data, to ensure all customers are being served, regardless of their background.

Title VI of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects customers from discrimination based on race, color, and national origin. Metro is committed to non-discrimination and to being inclusive and equitable, especially with customers who are low-income, limited English proficient, and represent historically disadvantaged groups.

Metro’s proposed changes include redefining a “major service change,” defining populations based on U.S. Census data with its Better Bus Network Redesign effort and raising the income threshold for low-income customers to account for the recent rise in the cost of living. Metro is also proposing to eliminate the $2 SmarTrip card fee for customers enrolled in reduced fare programs.

To read more details about Metro’s proposed changes and to give feedback visit Metro’s Title VI Program page on wmata.com. The deadline to provide comment is 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 15, 2023.

The Gaithersburg Police Department is investigating a stabbing that occurred on Monday, October 2. According to police, “Detectives are investigating a stabbing that occurred in the area N. Summit Ave & Park Ave. Today at approx 3:16 p.m., ofcs located a 27-years-old male victim suffering from lacerations. The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.”

We will provide an update if additional information becomes available. Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.

Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today announced the indictments of four individuals for their roles in a criminal enterprise responsible for trafficking large amounts of fentanyl and cocaine. The investigation resulted in the seizure of 37 firearms, including three assault weapons, three handguns equipped with Glock switch attachments (allowing them to operate as fully automatic weapons), over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and body armor. Detectives also seized over 8.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 3 kilograms of cocaine, kilogram presses, drug ledgers, and over $308,000 of narcotic proceeds. The investigation was led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) through the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program—Group 51.

Ronald Rawles, 35, of Baltimore City, and Corey Frazier, 37, of Howard County, who acted as large-scale distributors of narcotics for the drug trafficking organization, have each been charged with conspiracy, participation in a criminal organization, volume dealer, distribution of fentanyl, possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, use of firearms in a drug trafficking crime, illegal possession of regulated firearms,
and related charges.

Two additional defendants, who have not yet been apprehended, who received large quantities of narcotics from Rawles and Frazier and then repackaged them for street-level distribution, have been charged with conspiracy, participation in a criminal organization, volume dealer, possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, use of firearms in a drug trafficking crime, illegal possession of regulated firearms, and related charges. As alleged in the indictment, the investigation revealed that at least as early as August 2022 through July 2023, Ronald Rawles and Corey Frazier maintained multiple stash locations for fentanyl, cocaine, and firearms in luxury apartment buildings in Baltimore City and Howard County. Rawles and Frazier would supply mid-level narcotic dealers with bulk quantities of drugs, which they would then break down and package for further redistribution. Frazier and Rawles also supplied narcotics to street-level shops, one of which operated at the intersection of Cranston Avenue and North Woodington Road in Baltimore City.

As a result of the ongoing narcotics trafficking, federal agents and task force officers executed search and seizure warrants for multiple stash locations, residences, and vehicles used by the criminal enterprise. Search warrants were executed in Howard County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City. From one stash location on East Fort Avenue in Baltimore City, detectives recovered eight guns and approximately four kilograms of fentanyl, as well as a variety of narcotic-manufacturing paraphernalia. From another stash location on East Saratoga Street in Baltimore City, detectives recovered approximately three-and-one-half kilograms of fentanyl and approximately three kilograms of cocaine, as well as a variety of narcotic-manufacturing paraphernalia and narcotic proceeds. From Frazier’s residence and vehicle in Howard County,
detectives recovered approximately 7.4 grams of fentanyl, a firearm, and approximately $39,000 in narcotic proceeds. From Rawles’ residence and vehicle in Baltimore City, detectives recovered approximately $63,000 in narcotic proceeds and a firearm. Upon detectives making entry to Rawles’ residence, Rawles attempted to flee by climbing off his eighth-story balcony, which resulted in injuries that required hospitalization. Additional narcotics, firearms, and narcotic proceeds were recovered from the additional defendants’ residences.

Members of DEA HIDTA Group 51 also executed a search and seizure warrant at a self-storage unit that was being used by the criminal enterprise and seized 25 firearms, including a machine gun, assault-style rifles, and privately manufactured firearms (commonly referred to as “ghost guns”). Inside the storage unit, investigators also recovered miscellaneous firearms magazines, including drum magazines, approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition, body armor, and over
$107,000 in U.S. currency. “As alleged in the indictments, these individuals not only possessed a cache of firearms, but
transported large volumes of deadly narcotics into our community without any regard of the health and safety of others,” said Attorney General Brown. “This joint agency investigation is the latest example of the dedicated work that my Organized Crime Unit is doing with our federal and local partners to dismantle the infiltration of illegally possessed guns in our community, and to stop the supply of deadly narcotics, making Maryland safer for all.”

“DEA works tirelessly to safeguard the American public by carrying out investigations and operations to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and prosecute criminals – like the ones indicted in this case – that pose a threat to our communities and put our citizens in danger,” mentioned Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division. “These criminal organizations profit by pushing dangerous and deadly drugs such as fentanyl into neighborhoods throughout Maryland, disregarding the value of human life. Considering that only 2mg of fentanyl is enough to kill a person – a very small quantity that can fit in the tip of a pencil – the amount of fentanyl seized during this operation could have potentially killed over four million citizens. Together, we are sending a resounding message to drug trafficking organizations, their leaders, and anyone facilitating their illegal activities that we will not tolerate
such actions and will work tirelessly to bring them to justice.”

“Where there are drugs, there are almost always guns, and that is a volatile combination,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby. “Guns are used as tools by these drug trafficking organizations to threaten and inflict violence for retaliation, expanding territory, and more. Adding machine gun conversion devices and guns with no identifiable markings into the equation means these defendants circumvented the law at every turn to acquire this arsenal of firearms. The risk this posed to the community is tremendous. ATF and our law enforcement partners will continue to work side by side toward a safer Baltimore by taking criminals and the guns they possess off the street.”

In making today’s announcement, Attorney General Brown thanked Criminal Division Chief Katie Dorian, Assistant Attorney General Megan Greene, Assistant Attorney General Paul Halliday, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Howard County Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, the Annapolis Police Department, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the Laurel Police Department, the Baltimore City Police Department, and the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office. Attorney General Brown also thanked Howard County State’s Attorney Richard Gibson, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates, and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger for their assistance in this
investigation. This investigation was a coordinated effort under the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network
(MCIN). The defendants’ cases will be prosecuted in Howard County. A criminal indictment is merely an accusation of wrongdoing, and a defendant is presumed innocent until the State proves the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Per Montgomery County: The County is discussing building a new recreation center in Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village. Tomorrow night, Oct. 3, from 7-9 p.m. at Montgomery Village Middle School, Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke and Laurie-Anne Sayles will be joined by community leaders, residents, and organizations to discuss the vision for a recreation center. There will be food and beverages provided. Students who attend will be eligible for SSL hours.

“The County is committed to providing an enriching amenity for the Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village communities, where there is a high need for investment in our residents, with a particular focus on our youth,” said Councilmember Sayles. “During the ‘Stop the Violence’ town hall held in July at Germantown Library, a consistent need that came up was for there to be more space where residents could live, learn, work, and play. Communities with convenient access to recreation space and opportunities have proven economic success and well-being.”

“The need for indoor recreation and community space in the Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village area is one of the top priorities we’ve heard from constituents,” Councilmember Luedtke said. “This community meeting is an opportunity for residents to give their input on what they envision in a future potential community center. I look forward to hearing these ideas and continuing to work with other County officials, municipal leaders, and local property owners to make this vision a reality.”

Councilmember Luedtke and Councilmember Sayles recently joined District 3 Councilmember Sidney Katz and At-Large Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz, Will Jawando, and Council President Evan Glass to send a letter to the property owner of Lakeforest Mall requesting they include a community center in their planned redevelopment project. The project is going through an extensive review process with the City of Gaithersburg.

Many County leaders and organizations will attend the town hall, including the Department of Recreation, which will be co-sponsoring the event.

“We are looking forward to engaging with the community and hearing about their ideas for a recreation space,” said Montgomery County Recreation Director Robin Riley. “Our centers have many great services and resources and opportunities for our residents to enjoy. Their participation in planning for programming and facility interests is crucial to ensuring we’re meeting the needs of our communities. Thank you to Councilmembers Luedtke and Sayles for putting together this town hall.”

Per MCPD:  Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) are investigating a fatal collision that occurred on Sunday, October 1, 2023, on Veirs Mill Road. At approximately 7:57 p.m., 4th District officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel responded to the 13000 block of Veirs Mill Road between Aspen Hill Road and Arbutus Avenue for the report of a traffic collision involving a gray, 2019 Jeep Limited and a black and red, 2016 Suzuki GSX R 600L motorcycle.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that the driver of the Jeep was making a U-Turn from westbound Veirs Mill Road to continue eastbound on Veirs Mill Road. The operator of the motorcycle was traveling eastbound on Veirs Mill Road when it collided with the back of the jeep.

The driver of the Jeep and the passenger remained on scene.  The operator of the motorcycle sustained life threatening injuries and was pronounced dead on scene.  The decedent has been identified as 40-year-old, Hector Luis Betancourt-Rivera of Rockville.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact CRU detectives at (240) 773-6620.

Wiseguy Pizza is holding a grand opening party on Tuesday, October 3rd from 3-6PM for its new location in Wheaton Mall. The event will feature free slices of pizza for the first 500 customers, games, and prizes. The restaurant is located in the space that was previously occupied by Angel’s Pizza in the food court (preview video available below).

“Wiseguy Pizza recently the opened its 5th location here at Wheaton Mall, Maryland. They’re best known for their pizza-by-the-slice and their standout 18-inch “Big Apple Sized” pies, which are 65% larger than the typical 14-inch pizzas. Their menu also boasts of offering a wide variety of flavors such as classics like Pepperoni and Cheese, alongside unique flavors like Korean Chicken, Mushroom Truffle, and more.

This 2023, The Washington Post recognized Wiseguy Pizza as “one of the best NYC-style pizza in the D.C. area”. Now that they’re here in MD, the Wheaton Community can also enjoy this top-rated pie, bringing a slice of the Big Apple right to their doorstep. Whether you’re a fan of classic toppings or adventurous flavors, Wiseguy Pizza promises a delightful experience for all pizza enthusiasts. So head on over to Wheaton Mall now and grab slice or a whole pie!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx5v7EOuOvK/

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 21-year-old Naseem Roulack, who is wanted in connection with an armed carjacking that occurred on Friday, September 1, 2023.

At approximately 12:05 a.m., 6th District officers responded to the 400 block of W. Deer Park Rd., for the report of an armed carjacking that occurred earlier. Detectives have determined that the adult female victim was sitting in her blue 2016 Nissan Sentra when the unknown suspect approached the suspect, pointed a black handgun at her and demanded her car.

Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified Roulack as the suspect and determined that he is an escaped inmate from the Virginia Department of Corrections. Roulack is serving a 13-year sentence for charges of aggravated malicious wounding, grand larceny and hit & run. Roulack is described as a Black male, 5-feet, 6-inches tall, 225 pounds, black hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on his right eye, left cheek and neck.

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force is requesting information that would lead to the apprehension of Naseem Roulack. Roulack escaped from the custody of the Virginia Department of Corrections on August 12, 2023, while seeking medical treatment at St. Mary’s Hospital in Henrico, Virginia. The USMS has a cash reward of $5,000 that leads to the apprehension of Roulack. The USMS can be contacted at 1-877-WANTED2, or tips can be submitted via the USMS Tips app.

Anyone with information regarding these suspects or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspects. Tips may remain anonymous.