Maryland

“This critical investment in public safety supports officers and law enforcement agencies by offering protection and increasing capacity to build trust in the communities they serve,” said Governor Hogan. “We will continue to provide this much-needed support through our Re-Fund The Police Initiative as we work together to make our communities safer and stronger.”

As part of the $24 million Accountability Resources Fund, the PACT grant supports law enforcement agencies across the state in developing effective accountability procedures while enhancing community relations and transparency. Funds are intended to increase safety and training for law enforcement, to promote safe communities, and to encourage engagement between law enforcement and the community.


Maryland

Investigators believe online predators may often give the impression they are romantically interested in the minor being targeted, to gain their trust. As the chats progress, the suspect user will request sexually illicit photographs of the minor, and might even send photographs back to the minor in return.

If a minor sends a sexually illicit photograph of themselves to the suspect account, the suspect user will proceed to demand the minor send them money, typically in the form of gift card and prepaid credit card numbers that are readily available at most stores. The suspect accounts advise that if money is not sent, the illicit photographs of the minor will be sent to family, friends, and posted online accompanied by distasteful comments about the minor. While not always, investigators have found that the suspect accounts typically originate from foreign countries which significantly limits the ability to formally identify a suspect.


Maryland

Shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Trooper Jason Reid, who is assigned to the Rockville Barrack,  was on the scene of a motor vehicle crash on the ramp from eastbound I-495 to southbound Colesville Road (US 29) in Silver Spring, Maryland. According to a preliminary investigation, a tow truck operator was on the scene working on removing the vehicles involved in the crash. The tow truck driver, a 51-year-old male, was working on getting a Chevrolet Equinox onto the back of his tow truck.

While the driver was attempting to attach the winch to the underside of the vehicle, the Chevrolet Equinox slipped off the back of the tow truck bed and fell on top of him. Trooper Reid saw what happened, and despite having no previous training on the equipment, he was able to use the tow truck’s controls to lower the tow truck’s bed to the ground and re-position it underneath the front of the Chevrolet Equinox. Trooper Reid then used the rear of the tow truck’s bed to lift the car off of the victim and then pull him away from the vehicle.


Highways / Interstates

At 12:51 a.m., MDTA Police Dispatch received a call for a vehicle traveling westbound on the ICC/MD 200 that had been possibly struck by gunfire. Responding officers located a gold 2007 Toyota Sienna van stopped prior to Exit 3 (Shady Grove Road).

An initial investigation indicates the driver of the Toyota van was traveling westbound on the ICC/MD 200 when he reportedly observed another vehicle pull alongside the passenger side of his van. The second vehicle was described as a black sedan that was being driven without headlights on. The driver of the van reported hearing a loud noise and seeing a flash from the black sedan. A passenger in the second row of the van indicated they had been struck by something. The driver of the van continued a short distance before pulling over and contacting police.


MoCo Police

Upon arriving in the area where the crime occurred, officers observed an individual, later identified as Zamir Wade Lynn, matching the description of the suspect in the 3100 block of Whispering Pines Dr. Officers approached Lynn and located two firearms in his possession. Lynn is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm.

Officers spoke with the male victim who stated that he was sleeping in his apartment when he was woken up by Lynn, who had just broken into the apartment. Lynn pointed two handguns at the victim and demanded money. Lynn exited the residence and was then apprehended by officers in the 3100 block of Whispering Pines Dr. Probable cause was developed to identify Lynn as the suspect. Lynn was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he has been charged with home invasion robbery, armed robbery and firearm related charges.


I-270

On Thursday, a collision involving a Maryland State Police vehicle closed three lanes on southbound 270 from Exit 4 (Montrose Rd) to Exit 1 (Democracy Blvd) and resulted in  two Maryland State troopers being transported by EMS with non-life-threatening injuries. On Friday, the Maryland State Police announced that chargers are pending against the driver who struck the troopers, who is believed to have been impaired at the time of the collision.

(ROCKVILLE, MD) – Charges are pending against a suspected impaired driver who struck two Maryland state troopers in their patrol vehicles on I-270 yesterday.


I-270

All lanes are open on SB I-270 at Montrose Rd after a collision Thursday evening that involved a Maryland State Police vehicle. The incident had closed three lanes on southbound 270 from Exit 4 (Montrose Rd) to Exit 1 (Democracy Blvd). According to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Pete Piringer, at least two adults were transported by EMS with non-life-threatening injuries.

WJLA reports that the Maryland State Police vehicle involved was an SUV. Drivers are warned to expect residual delays. We will post an update when more information becomes available.


MoCo Police

A Lyft driver was carjacked at gunpoint Wednesday night in the 8000 block of 13th St in downtown Silver Spring. According to Montgomery County Police, officers were called to the scene at approximately 10:11pm.  The driver reportedly picked up three passengers, one of which pulled out a handgun and demanded the driver leave the vehicle. The three individuals then took off with the vehicle.

The incident is under investigation and Montgomery County Police are expected to release addition details soon. There are no suspects in custody at this time.


Rockville

The Rockville City Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office offer a safe, free and anonymous way to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs during National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday,  April 30. In cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration, city police will accept leftover — including expired — prescription drugs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Rockville City Police Station parking lot at 2 W. Montgomery Ave. To make it quick and convenient, officers will be outside with easy drive-up and drop-off access, so there is no need to get out of your vehicle. Illicit drugs, liquids, needles, sharps or syringes cannot be accepted, only pills or patches. All returned medications will be destroyed by the DEA.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a convenient and responsible means of disposal, keeping prescription drugs from potentially polluting our drinking water, while educating the public about the potential for abuse or theft of these medications. Learn more about National Drug Take Back Day at www.dea.gov or call Cpl. Ronnie Crowe at 240-314-8974.  Residents can now also safely dispose of unused, unwanted or expired medication, with no questions asked, in a new prescription drug drop box that is available to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in the front lobby of the Rockville City Police Station. For more information, visit RockvilleReports.com/prescription-drug-drop-box-debuts-at-rockville-city-police-station.


Montgomery Parks

Sensory bags help first responders working with people with disabilities.

WHEATON, Md. – The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division, and the Montgomery Parks’ Program Access Office are working together to equip officers with sensory bags. Each bag offers calming tools for individuals dealing with extreme stress that will allow officers to connect with an individual who may have a disability or a mental health issue, helping to de-escalate a stressful situation.


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