A suspect fleeing an interview with police, driving aggressively on New Hampshire Avenue, struck two vehicles about 1:45 this afternoon, closing the southbound roadway for about two hours. A Silver Spring mother and daughter, in a minivan struck by the suspect, were transported to Medstar and a local hospital.
The suspect’s vehicle propelled the minivan into a utility pole just south of Sligo Creek Parkway, collided with a pick-up truck, and came to rest in the road’s grassy median. The suspect fled into a residential and wooded area where he was located and arrested by Takoma Park Police officers.
The Silver Spring woman in the minivan sustained serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Her daughter was injured. The pick-up driver and suspect were not injured.
Takoma Park officers had responded about 1:10 p.m. for a trespassing complaint at a business in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue. While being interviewed, the suspect fled, striking an officer with a vehicle he was driving. Another responding officer nearing the scene saw a suspicious vehicle leaving the area and followed. This officer was attempting to near the suspect vehicle, which was weaving aggressively in congested traffic, and observed the collisions.
The suspect has been identified as Terris Damien Caudle, 24, of the District. Among the charges against him are assault on a police officer, assault, resisting arrest and hit-and-run.
The Takoma Park Police are currently accepting applications for Communications Dispatchers, those people who are the vital link between the community and the police.
An entrance level exam is scheduled for mid-April. Minority and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Good verbal skills and attention to detail are important; second language skills are a plus. Applicants should be able to handle a sometimes hectic environment under pressure. Training is provided.
Applicants must: be at least 18 years of age (at time of appointment); hold a high school diploma or GED; and be of good moral character and stability. U.S. citizenship is not required.
Benefits include a starting salary of $16.56/hour ($34,454 annual base) with night shift & bilingual pay differential additional; health insurance; uniform allowance; and tuition reimbursement.
Complete information regarding qualifications, benefits, and the selection process is available from the Recruiting Team, 301/891-7130 or 301/270-1100.
TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME BLOTTER
March 18 - 24, 2005
Prepared by: Lt. Richard Cipperly
This blotter is not intended to be inclusive of all crime and arrests reported to the Takoma Park Police Department
Arrests:
On March 20 in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, two adult males were charged with Possession of CDS and Possession of CDS Paraphernalia. A third male was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for Failure to Appear in Court on a charge of Driving an Uninsured Vehicle. 05-3718
On March 21 at 8:11 pm in the 7000 block of Carroll Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Attempted Rape, 2nd Degree Assault and 4th Degree Sex Offence after officers responded to a call for an assault in progress. The victim, an adult female was returning to her parked car when the suspect assaulted her. Pedestrians intervened and the suspect fled the scene. The suspect was arrested after a brief foot chase. The victim refused treatment for her injuries. 05-3775
Arrests (cont'd)
On March 23 at 3:57 pm in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult female was arrested on an open warrant from Montgomery County for Theft Under $500.
Crime ReportsBetween March 17 at 9:00 am and March 18 at 12:00 pm in the 1100 block of University Blvd., an auto theft occurred. It is unknown what method was used to steal the 1995 Mazda Protégée. 05-3623
Between March 19 at 9:15 pm and March 20 at 6:45 am in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an auto theft occurred. It is unknown how the 2004 Kawasaki motorcycle was stolen. 05-3706
Between March 19 at 5:00 pm and March 20 at 11:00 am in the 6900 block of Prince George's Avenue, a residential burglary occurred. Entry was gained through an unlocked window. A second window was damaged. Property was taken. 05-3712
On March 20 at 11:00 am in the 7300 block of new Hampshire Avenue, an indecent exposure occurred. A juvenile female was alone in an elevator with a subject when he exposed himself. The victim who was not injured, exited the elevator immediately while the subject remained on the elevator. The subject was described as a black male, 45 yrs old, 5'10" heavy build, brown eyes, dark complexion with short black hair, wearing dark pants. 05-3713
On March 20 at 10:15 pm in the 7300 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an armed robbery occurred. An adult female and two adult males were walking to their parked car when they were approached by a subject who displayed a handgun. The female victim handed over her purse. The suspect fled the scene on foot. None of the victims were injured. The suspect was described as a black male, 20-25 yrs old, 5'6", 140 lbs, medium build, dark complexion, wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and a black skull cap with white stripes. 05-3733
Between March 22, time unknown and March 23 at 4:20 pm in the 700 block of Kennebec Avenue, a residential burglary was attempted. A porch screen was cut in the attempt. 05-3830
End
On Friday, March 25, 2005, from about 12:30 - 3:00 p.m., intermittent road closures, detours, and delays will occur in association with the “Stations of the Cross” procession. Most of the closures will be short in duration but the potential for delays is likely. The sponsors, St. Camillus and Our Lady of Sorrows, anticipate 2,500 to 3,000 participants.
The procession will begin about 12:30 p.m., following a mass at Our Lady of Sorrows, New Hampshire Avenue and Larch. The route will include New Hampshire Avenue from East-West Highway to Metzerott Road, University Boulevard from Merrimac Drive to 14th Avenue, and nearby smaller streets in Takoma Park and Langley Park. It concludes at St. Camillus near Southampton Drive and New Hampshire.
In Takoma Park affected side streets will be Glenside and Wildwood Drive and Anne Street.
The route of the procession takes advantage of side streets and service roads wherever possible but some delays on the major thoroughfares are inevitable.
Takoma Park Police have charged an Adelphi man in relation to an assault Monday evening, March 21, in the 7000 block of Carroll Avenue. The man was apprehended in the 7300 block of Willow Avenue within minutes of the emergency report.
The suspect has been charged with attempted first and second degree rape, attempted second and fourth degree sex offences, and second degree assault. The victim, from Washington, D.C., sustained non-life threatening injuries and declined treatment at a local hospital.
The woman was at her car, near the intersection of Laurel and Carroll, at about 8:10 p.m.when the man assaulted her, without speaking. Pedestrians intervened and the man fled. While some witnesses aided the victim and called police, another followed the suspect, providing guidance to responding officers.
The suspect was chased from Park Avenue, through yards, to Willow Avenue where he was apprehended at about 8:20 p.m. The man, 26 years old of the 1800 block of Metzerott Road, is being held in Montgomery County detention, without bond.
CRIME BLOTTER
March 11 - 17, 2005
Prepared by: Lt. Richard Cipperly
This blotter is not intended to be inclusive of all crime and arrests reported to the Takoma Park Police Department
Arrests:
On March 11 at 10:14 pm in the 7200 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol and several traffic related offenses. 05-3216
On March 15 at 3:32 pm in the 7200 block of Spruce Avenue, four juvenile males were arrested and charged with two counts of Burglary each after officers responded to a call for a burglary in progress. The juveniles were also charged with a burglary committed on March 11 at the same address. 05-3427
Arrests (cont'd):
On March 15 at 10:24 pm in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open warrant from Montgomery County for Failure to Appear in Court on a felony Theft charge. 05-5435
On March 17 at 11"50 am in the 7800 block of Carroll Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open warrant for Failure to Appear in Court on a charge of Possession of CDS. 05-3531
Crime Reports
On March 11, between 8:00 am and 6:30 pm in the 8200 block of Flower Avenue, a residential burglary was attempted. The front door was damaged in the attempt. 05-3170
End
A raccoon, destroyed by an officer Friday afternoon, March 4, tested positive for rabies. The animal was observed behaving erratically in the unit block of Darwin Avenue, Takoma Park, in an area where students were playing and walking home from school.
Due to physical signs and the disoriented behavior, a Takoma Park officer shot and killed the raccoon. It was picked up by Montgomery County Animal Control and tested positive for rabies.
The animal was not known to have had contact with other animal or humans. The raccoon was in the area of the parking lot at the end of Darwin Avenue. Anyone who suspects they may have had contact, should contact the Montgomery County Health Department. If a domestic animal may have had contact, the owner should refer to Montgomery County Animal Control.
Last fall, six raccoons tested positive for rabies in a six-week period between mid-September and November 1. This is the first incident this year in which a raccoon had to be destroyed by officers. Not all animals, even when seen during the day, are rabies positive. For information regarding rabies, raccoons and how to discourage the animals proximity to a home, see the December City Newsletter, also available at http://207.176.67.2/news/newsletter/2004/dec04.pdf
TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Feb. 25 - Mar. 3, 2005
Prepared by: Lt. Richard Cipperly
This blotter is not intended to be inclusive of all crime and arrests reported to the Takoma Park Police Department
Arrests:
On February 26 at 12:48 am in the 8600 block of Flower Avenue, an adult male was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol and Failure to Display Headlights in Unfavorable Visibility conditions. 05-2596
On February 27 at 4:20 am in the 7600 block of Flower Avenue, an adult male was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol and Driving Without Tires in Safe Operating Conditions. 05-2636
On February 28 at 6:45 pm in the 700 block of Hudson Avenue, a juvenile female was charged with 2nd degree assault. 05-2705
Arrests (cont'd)
On February 28 at 3:40 pm in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult male was served with an outstanding warrant charging him with 2nd Degree Assault, Carrying a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Injure and Reckless Endangerment stemming from an incident that occurred in Takoma Park in December, 2003. 05-2696
Crime Reports
On February 26 at 10:15 pm in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue, a strong armed robbery occurred. An adult male was driving through a parking lot accompanied by an adult female and their child when a vehicle approached and blocked their path. A subject exited the vehicle and approached the victim who had also exited his vehicle. A second subject remained in the vehicle. The subject displayed what appeared to be a gold police badge and demanded to see the victim’s identification. The victim handed his wallet to the subject believing he was a police officer. The suspect took the victim’s wallet, returned to his vehicle and drove off with the victim’s property. No weapons were displayed and no one was injured. The suspect vehicle is described as a Ford Expedition, 4-door, red in color, displaying possible North Carolina registration SXT-6885. The first subject was described as a black male, 30-40 years old, 5'10", 230lbs, heavy build, brown eyes, dark complexion, balding with black hair, wearing a green long sleeved jogging suit. Suspect two was described as a black male, 30-40 years old, thin build, dark complexion, black hair, wearing a black baseball cap and black jacket. 05-2623
Between February 26 at 2:00 pm and February 28 at 6:00 am in the 7600 block of Takoma Avenue, a commercial burglary occurred. A padlock to a storage trailer on a construction site was broken in order to gain entry. Property was taken. 05-2687
Between February 27 at 10:30 am and February 28 at 9:30 am in the 7300 block of Garland Avenue, an auto theft occurred. It is unknown what means were used to steal the 1987 Olds Cutlass. 05-2686
On February 28 at 5:30 am in the 900 block of Merrimack Drive, an attempted armed robbery occurred. A subject asked an employee of the store for a pack of cigarettes and then tried unsuccessfully to snatch them out of the employees hand. The subject implied he had a gun, then fled the scene. The victim was not injured and no property was taken. The suspect was described as a black male, 5'8", 170lbs, slim build, light complexion, wearing dark pants and a black hooded sweatshirt. 05-2700
On February 28 at 3:40 pm at the intersection of Wabash Avenue and Flower Avenue, a strong armed robbery occurred. The victim, an adult female was walking when she was hit twice from behind by a subject. A second subject then grabbed her purse and both subjects fled on foot. The victim was not injured. The suspects were described as black males, 18-20 years old, 5'10". Suspect one was wearing a camouflage jacket with a hood. The second suspect had a light complexion and was wearing a black jacket with a grey hood. 05-2694
Between March 2 at 10:30 pm and March 3 at 7:15 am in the 7600 block of Maple Avenue, an auto theft occurred. It is unknown what means were used to steal the 1997 Honda Accord. 05-2825
How Ready Is The City for The Next Emergency?
And how ready are you and your neighbors?
Mark your calendars to attend an educational meeting on Sat., March 19, 1-4 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 7500 Maple Avenue. How to Survive the First 72 Hours in an Emergency, sponsored by the Public Safety Citizens Advisory Committee, will bring in experts from the American Red Cross and the Montgomery County Fire-Rescue Service to share their expertise.
The session will address how Takoma Park can best utilize its various organizations to help city residents in an emergency, whether natural or manmade.
Information about the recently formed Takoma Park Emergency Preparedness Committee will be available.
All Neighborhood Safety Contacts and citizen/community patrol members are encouraged to attend. Andy Keleman and Buddy Daniels, organizers of the session, would like every city organization to provide at least one representative to the meeting. Please think about any school, church, or business organization that you could invite to join you at this important meeting. Also make sure that your civic associations will be represented.
For the second year, the overall crime figures for Takoma Park dropped, from the near-record high numbers of 2002. The 2004 UCR crime figures for the City of Takoma Park were released showing not only an overall decrease, but also drops in every category of property and violent crimes. Four of the seven index crimes showed year 2004 rates lower than the 10-year averages.
Overall index crimes decreased 11 percent compared to last year, reaching the lowest level in the past 10 years.
The year 2004 saw 58 robberies, the second lowest number in 10 years. This represents a 29 percent decline from the near record number of 92 robberies in 2002. The smallest drop in “violent crime,” or those against persons, occurred in aggravated assault. In addition to the 28 aggravated cases, police reported 83 simple assaults compared to 96 in 2003.
No homicides and two rapes were reported in 2004, compared to two and nine, respectively, in 2003. Violent crime overall decreased 18 percent, with property crimes falling 10 percent.
Motor vehicle theft dropped for the second year since the 10-year record high in 2002. With 156 reports of theft or attempts, the number remains within the statistically-expected range. “Although we are encouraged by this decline, the police urge vehicle owners to continuing practicing property protection habits that help deter this crime,” said Chief Cynthia A. Creamer.
Burglary also remains in the expected range despite a decline of almost 15 percent. Of the 133 reported burglaries, 39 were in commercial or public buildings, with the remaining in residences. No significant pattern of break-ins emerged, with property being taken from houses, apartments, and sheds or garages.
Larceny, or theft of all kinds, reached a 10-year low with 410 reports. More than half of these stemmed from thefts from auto or theft of auto parts. The 2002 larceny figure had been a record high, now showing two years of reduced numbers.
Although police are encouraged by the overall decreases, the Department does not pinpoint any single factors or programs as responsible. “Last year the Department reported that two crimes, burglary and robbery, that touch most residents randomly and personally were decreasing,” Creamer said. “While that trend continued, we believe continued vigilance by police and residents is required to continue that trend.”
Statewide figures are not available currently. From January to June 2004, state figures showed a one percent decrease in total index crimes. The Washington metropolitan region showed increases of about seven percent in aggravated assault and motor vehicle theft, with declines in the other five categories, comparing the first half of 2004 to 2003.
Last year Takoma Park Police arrested at least 10 persons for vehicle theft or unauthorized use; 42 for driving while impaired or under the influence; 44 for drug possession or related charges; and 16 for robbery.
2004 UCR Part I Crimes
Homicide: 0
Rape: 2
Robbery: 58
Aggravated Assault: 28
Burglary: 133
Larceny: 410
Auto Theft: 156
Totals: 787