NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
July 31, 2009 (1:25 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci from the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of a 17 year old male juvenile of Hyattsville, Maryland for 1st degree burglary, malicious destruction of property and theft.
During the month of July, there have been a series of residential burglaries in Takoma Park, Maryland. On July 29, 2009, at approximately 1:00 p.m., a patrol officer observed a suspicious person walking through the residential streets and backyards of residences, looking through windows, in the area where some of the residential burglaries had occurred. The officer observed the subject wearing gloves, carrying a backpack and holding an object in his hand. The officer developed probable cause to stop the subject, who was found to be in possession of stolen property taken from a previously reported burglary that occurred on Sligo Creek Parkway. He was also found to be in possession of a laptop computer, and the object in his hand was a folding knife, which is believed to be the tool that assisted him in gaining entry into the residences. The laptop found in his possession was discovered to have been stolen the same day. The subject was arrested and transported to the police department. A search warrant was obtained and executed at his residence in Prince George’s County, Maryland, which resulted in the seizure of items of evidentiary value. Through investigation, it was determined that the subject was linked to two additional burglaries.
The subject was charged with three counts of 1st degree burglary, three counts of malicious destruction of property and three counts of theft. The subject is suspected to be involved in various other burglaries throughout Takoma Park, Maryland, and possibly other jurisdictions. The Takoma Park Police are currently working with other jurisdictions to follow up. The juvenile is currently being detained at a juvenile detention center.