Residential Burglary Arrest
On Wednesday, thanks to a citizen’s report of suspicious activity, Takoma Park officers arrested a city youth on burglary charges for the reported incident and two earlier burglaries in the same area.
The initial report was for a stranger entering the rear window of a neighboring home. Ofc. Eckford of Squad 1, already on patrol in the vicinity, apprehended a 15-year-old city resident as he was leaving a home in the 1100 block of Kirkland. After investigation by Takoma Park detectives, the youth was also charged with burglaries in the 7500 block of Glenside in May and the 7800 block of Kennewick in June. Due to his parents’ absence from the country, Ofc. Eckford worked with the Department of Juveniles Services to place the youth in a group home.
Commercial Burglary Arrest
An arrest was made of a suspect in an unrelated commercial burglary attempt on Thursday. Takoma Park detectives had obtained a warrant for second degree attempted burglary and malicious destruction of property for an attempted break-in on Sept. 1 in the 1000 block of University Blvd. Montgomery County officers served the warrant Thursday night.
Residents Urged to Secure Homes
Despite these arrests, burglary continues at varied times and locations throughout the city. As previously reported, many of the suspects are gaining entry to homes through unlocked or inadequately secured windows, on both first and upper floors.
Even upper floor windows should be pinned or blocked to limit opening any more than 6 inches from the outside. Takoma Park officers can also conduct security surveys and make suggestions.
Residents can review crime prevention tips at links such as http://www.iii.org/individuals/homei/tips/security/ or http://www.crimedoctor.com/home.htm .
TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Sept. 22 - 28, 2006
Prepared by: Detective A/Lt. T. Collington. This blotter is not intended to be inclusive of all crime and arrests reported to the Takoma Park Police Department.
Arrests:
On September 21 at 1:20 pm in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue an adult male was arrested and charged with 2nd degree assault and theft under $100 (shoplifting). The subject was also served with an open Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear in court. 06-11870
On September 23 at 1:00 pm in the 7600 block of Maple Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with trespassing. 06-11984
Arrests (cont'd):
On September 22 at 4:45 pm in the unit block of Manor Circle, an adult male was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol and several traffic related charges. 06-11939
On September 26 at 2:00 pm in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult female was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for theft over $500. 06-12119
On September 26 at 12:10 pm in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear in court on a charge of 2nd degree assault. 06-12120
On September 27 at 11:30 am in the 1100 block of Kirklynn Avenue, a juvenile male was arrested and charged with burglary. 06-12169
On September 28 at 9:23 am in the 7400 block of Central Avenue, a criminal citation for possession of CDS paraphernalia was issued to an adult female. 06-12206
Crime Reports
On September 24, between 7:30 pm and 10:00 pm in the 1200 block of Holton Lane, an auto theft occurred. Unknown means were used to steal the 1999 Ford Crown Victoria. 06-12056
On September 28, between 6:10 pm and 8:45 pm in the 7000 block of Eastern Avenue, a residential burglary occurred. An unknown subject climbed to an unlocked window on the second floor to gain entry. Property was taken. 06-12244
End
As the Takoma Park Street Festival has grown in popularity over the past 25 years, traffic and parking congestion has increased. Encourage friends to use public transportation to join the festivities on Sunday Oct. 1. Parking in the adjacent areas is extremely limited and walking to events is highly recommended.
Carroll Avenue will be closed from the intersection with Eastern Avenue and Willow Street in the District of Columbia to Philadelphia Avenue (in front of the Fire Station). The street will be closed, with access available only to vendors, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (depending on when the street is cleared by vendors).
Street Closures
Some streets leading to Carroll Avenue will be blocked to allow residents’ access to their homes but to limit general traffic towards the blocked area of Carroll. These included Tulip Avenue after Spruce, Park Avenue after Holt Place, and Westmoreland after Walnut.
Police personnel will be stationed at Carroll and Tulip to allow emergency vehicle access to Carroll Avenue if needed.
Emergency No Parking
Maple Avenue from the D.C. border to Philadelphia Avenue (west side).
Tulip Avenue from Maple Avenue to Carroll Avenue
Officers will attempt to locate owners so vehicles can be moved but ticketing and towing is authorized. To improve traffic flow, residential side streets will be patrolled to aggressively enforce parking restrictions, such as parking too close to intersections.
Limited handicapped parking will be available in the bank parking lot at Willow and Carroll. Parking behind the stage at Willow and Carroll will be short-term-only for the performing bands, their staff and equipment.
Two attempt armed robberies have occurred in the vicinity of Flower and Carroll Avenue in a 24-hour period. Residents are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and if they observe any suspicious behavior to contact the police immediately.
On Sept. 20 at about 11:50 p.m. two people reported they were leaving a home in the 7700 block of Greenwood Avenue when they saw two suspects searching their vehicle. One suspect demanded property and when the victims refused, the suspect struck one of them. As the victims ran from the scene, they noted that a second suspect displayed a handgun as he entered a white four-door sedan. As the vehicle fled on Greenwood towards Carroll, the victims heard one shot fired. One suspect was described as a light-complected black male wearing a black hoodie armed with a black handgun; the second was described as a dark-complected black male, 5'10, 160lbs, wearing a white hoodie and white hat.
On Sept. 21, at about 1:50 p.m. a woman was walking in the 7500 block of Carroll Avenue when she was approached from behind by two young men. One suspect grabbed and pulled at the victim’s purse. As the victim and suspect struggled over possession of the purse, two men in a passing vehicle yelled at the suspects. The first suspect seemed to back off but the second grabbed the victim’s arm, displayed a silver hand gun and demanded the property. The two suspects eventually fled on foot down Jefferson towards Maple Avenue. Both suspects appeared to be black males between the ages of 17 and 19 years, with a slim build. One was described as wearing black shirt and jean with hair in dreds; the other wore black jeans and a white shirt with a Box logo. Seven officers canvassed the area but did not locate any suspects.
Again, residents are cautioned to be aware of activity in their surrounding. They are reminded that cell phones should be programmed to dial 301/270-1100 to reach the Takoma Park Police directly. In emergencies, when using a regular (land-line) telephone, call 9-1-1 and request “police assistance in Takoma Park.”
TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Sept. 15 - 21, 2006
Prepared by: Detective A/Lt. T. Collington. This blotter is not intended to be inclusive of all crime and arrests reported to the Takoma Park Police Department.
Arrests:
On September 16 at 5:00 am in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open Prince George’s County warrant for failure to appear in court on a robbery charge. 06-11593
On September 17 at 12:02 pm in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for theft over $300. 06-11647
On September 18 at 1:47 am in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult female was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear in court on a charge of possession of CDS. 06-11666
On September 21 at 10:41 am in the 600 block of Houston Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open warrant charging him with failure to appear in court on a charge of 2nd degree assault .06-11862
On September 21 at 11:35 am in the 1000 block of Jackson Avenue, an adult female was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for 2nd degree assault. 06-11866
Crime Reports:
On September 16, between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm in the 7400 block of Glenside Drive, a residential burglary occurred. Entry was gained through an unlocked window. Property was taken. 06-11609
On September 19 at 12:15 pm in the unit block of Pine Avenue, a residential burglary occurred. The homeowners returned to their home to find a subject inside. They immediately left and called police. The suspect fled before police arrived. A door was damaged in order to gain entry. No property was taken. 06-11745
On September 20 at 12:10 am in the 7100 block of Maple Avenue, a residential burglary occurred. Entry was gained through an open window. A resident was awakened by the family dog and scared off the subject who climbed back out the same window. Property was taken. There was no description given of the subject. 06-11786
On September 20 at 12:49 pm in the 7600 block of Flower Avenue, an armed robbery was attempted. Two adult males found two subjects rummaging through items in the trunk of their car. When the victims approached, one of the subjects produced a handgun. As the victims ran off, one subject hit one of the victims with a bat then both subjects fled in a white four door sedan type vehicle. The victims heard a shot fired as the subjects fled. No one was injured. The victim’s 1997 Dodge Intrepid lock was damaged. The subjects were described as black males. One was 5'10", 160 lbs, dark complexion, wearing a white hooded sweatshirt and a white hat. The other subject had a light complexion and was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with no further description given. 06-11842
End
[Sept. 21, 2006] A collision between a Prince George’s County school bus and a Metro van occurred about 8:20 a.m. in the 400 block of Ethan Allen Avenue (between Elm and Jackson Avenues). The school bus was transporting more than a dozen teenage students to a private school in Silver Spring. Three students initially reported possible injury and fire/rescue was summoned as a precaution; the youth declined treatment and transport.
Both vehicles were westbound. A trash can was in the road, requiring vehicles to cross into eastbound lanes to avoid it. The driver of the van stopped and exited the vehicle to move the can out of the traffic lane. At this time, the van rolled back into the front of the school bus.
Serious injuries were not reported and the two vehicles continued on their routes.
Takoma Park Police have taken five reports for residential burglaries this month in Victor sector and three in X-ray sector. In each crime, burglars appear to have gained entrance through rear windows, often after removing screens and entering unlocked windows. Residents are urged to secure windows and doors both day and night. With several daytime burglaries, residents should be aware of strangers on their neighbors' property and report any suspicious behavior.
Residents Interupt Burglars
The most recent burglary was a Sept. 20 nighttime crime in the 7100 block of Maple Avenue, during which residents were awakened. As he walked downstairs, the male resident heard a male voice speak. The female resident, upstairs in the home, then observed a man flee through the rear yard. Property was taken and no injuries were reported. Investigation suggests the suspect entered the home by removing a first floor window screen and entering the open window.
On Sept. 19, residents returned to their home in the unit block of Pine Avenue shortly after noon and interrupted a burglar in the house. The suspect fled, with unknown property, and no injuries were reported. The suspect is described as a stocky black male, in his 20s, about 5'8", wearing black shirt and shorts and red bandana, carrying a black book bag with white trim. Entry appears to have been through an unsecured window.
Daytime Entrance, Unlocked Windows
In several burglaries, residents returned home at the end of a workday to find their homes had been searched and property taken. One crime took place in the 100 block of Tulip Avenue, Sept. 5 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. with entry made by breaking a window. The other, in the unit block of Philadelphia, took place Sept. 11 between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. A broken screen was observed as a possible point of entry.
Along the New Hampshire Avenue corridor, three daytime burglaries occurred with access through unsecured windows: Aug. 16 and Sept. 16 in the 7400 block of Glenside and Sept. 5 in the 1000 block of Heather. In one of these, the suspect(s) climbed to an open second story window.
On Sept. 7, between 6 and 8 a.m., property was taken from an occupied home in the 6700 block of Gude. Possible entry sites were an unlocked door or large dog door.
In August, a resident in the 6600 block of Westmoreland reported a daytime theft of tools from an unlocked shed. Another theft from an open shed took place Sept. 3 in the 1100 block of Larch.
Pleasant fall weather can present opportunities for home burglaries. Most burglars are seeking a quick opportunity to obtain valuables in the easiest possible way. Residents should reduce the opportunity for crime, making it harder for the thief, by increasing the time, visibility or noise factors. Residents are reminded to take care at night to close and lock windows, if at all possible.
Police suggest that whenever possible windows should be closed and locked, especially first floor or basement windows. If open windows are necessary for circulation, special pinning systems can be installed to allow ventilation but to maintain greater safety. Residents can request home security surveys for individualized advice on increasing personal and home security. Contact the COP team at 301/891-7124 or 301/270-1100.
Given the number of daytime burglaries, residents should be aware of suspicious behaviors and report them to the Takoma Park Police at 301/270-1100. Examples are people approaching homes or backyards where residents are known to be absent or strangers strolling in the area without apparent purpose.
Carol A. Bannerman
Police Affairs Specialist
301.891.7142
TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Sept. 8 - 14, 2006
Prepared by: Detective A/Lt. T. Collington. This blotter is not intended to be inclusive of all crime and arrests reported to the Takoma Park Police Department.
Arrests:
On September 8, an adult male was arrested in Dale City, VA byPrince William County Police assisted by Takoma Park detectives and Montgomery County Police and charged with homicide in connection to a homicide that occurred on September 1 in the 1100 block of University Blvd. 06-10972
On September 9 in the 1000 block of University Blvd., an adult male was arrested in connection with several commercial burglaries and attempted commercial burglaries that occurred between September 8 at 5:39 am and September 9 at 10:15 am in the 1000 block of University Blvd. Charges have been filed in two and investigation in the other cases continues. 06-11304, 11310, 11311, 11312, 11314, 11316
On September 10 at 9:36 am in the 7100 block of Central Avenue, an adult male and adult female were arrested and charged with Possession of CDS and possession of CDS paraphernalia. 06-11349
On September 13 at 11:09 pm in the 6900 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open Prince George’s County warrant for failure to appear in court. 06-11492
Crime Reports
On September 11 between 7:00 am and 3:35 pm in the unit block of Philadelphia Avenue, a residential burglary occurred. It is unknown how entry to the home was gained. Property was taken. 06-11395
Between September 12 at 11:40 am and September 13 at 5:17 am in the 7300 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an auto theft occurred. Unknown means were used to steal the 1994 Ford Crowne Victoria. 06-11456
Between September 12 at 9:00 pm and September 13 at 7:40 pm in the 600 block of Elm Avenue, an auto theft was attempted. A door lock and the ignition of the 2003 Dodge Neon were damaged. Property was taken. 06-11457
Between September 12 at 4:30 pm and September 13 at 10:00 pm in the 6700 block of Conway Avenue, an auto theft was attempted. A door lock and the ignition of the 2006 Chrysler Sebring were damaged. 06-11461
On September 13 at 9:39 pm in the 6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an armed robbery occurred. Three subjects walked into a market, approached the cashier, displayed a gun and demanded money. After the cashier complied, two of the subjects walked to the back of the store and took money from another employee. A third employee fled through a back door. No one was injured. The subjects were seen fleeing in an older model black Toyota Camry. The subjects were described as black males, about 18 years old, 5'8" - 5'10", 130 - 140 lbs, small build. One had braids and wore grey pants and a black jacket. The other two wore blue jeans and black jackets. One subject wore a black skull cap. 06-11488
On September 14 between 2:00 pm and 7:41 pm in the 7600 block of Flower Avenue, a burglary occurred. Entry to the dorm room was gained through an unlocked door. Property was taken. 06-11523
End
On Friday, Sept. 8th, police arrested Nelson Noel Ventura as the second suspect in the Sept. 1st beating death of Luis R. Jovel, 27, of Silver Spring.
Ventura, 22, of Hyattsville, was taken into custody in Dale City, Virginia, by Prince William County Police, accompanied by Takoma Park Police investigators. The other suspect, Jose Danis Ramos, 27, of Silver Spring was arrested Sept. 1 by Takoma Park Police.
Two Montgomery County patrol officers were approached shortly after midnight last Friday by a citizen who reported a man was being beaten nearby in the 1000 block of University Blvd. E. The responding officers witnessed a perpetrator beating a victim and then running to a waiting car. The officers blocked in the vehicle and three suspects fled on foot.
One officer remained with the victim while the other chased one suspect. Takoma Park Police patrol officers joined the pursuit and Ramos was taken into custody at that time. The victim was taken to Washington Hospital Center where he died late Friday afternoon.
Takoma Park investigators obtained a warrant against Ventura on charges of first degree murder earlier this week. Assisting in today’s arrest were Montgomery County Police and U.S. Marshals.
Both suspects and the victim are believed to have ties with the gang MS13. Ventura is being held at the Prince William Adult Detention Center in Manassas pending extradition. Ramos is being held at the Montgomery County Detention Center without bail.
# #
Carol A. Bannerman
Police Affairs Specialist
301.891.7142
TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Sept. 1 - 7, 2006
Prepared by: Detective A/Lt. T. Collington. This blotter is not intended to be inclusive of all crime and arrests reported to the Takoma Park Police Department.
Arrests:
On September 3 at 12:34 pm in the 7000 block of Westmoreland Avenue, an adult female was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for theft over $500 (bad check). 06-11053
On September 7 at 12:05 pm in the 7400 block of Aspen Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for driving while suspended. 06-11167
On September 7 at 1:55 pm in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult female was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for a 2nd degree assault. 06-11217
Crime Reports:
On September 1 at 12:42 am in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue, a commercial burglary was attempted. A passerby saw a subject trying to enter the business by attempting to destroy the lock of the front door with an object, then attempting to break the window of the front door before walking away. The subject was described as a Hispanic male, wearing a dark baseball cap, a black short sleeved work-type shirt and blue jeans. 06-10971
On September 3, between 6:05 pm and 6:10 pm in the 1100 block of Larch Avenue, a burglary occurred. A citizen saw a subject enter his neighbor’s unlocked shed and remove property. The subject was described as a white male, 30's, wearing a maroon shirt and tan pants. 06-11062
On September 5, between 9:30 am and 4:20 pm in the 100 block of Tulip Avenue, a residential burglary occurred. A rear window was broken in order to gain entry. Property was taken. 06-11132
On September 5, between 8:10 am and 3:30 pm in the 1000 block of Heather Avenue, a residential burglary occurred. Entry was gained through an open window. Property was taken. 06-11134
End
Takoma Park Police are charging a Silver Spring man with first degree assault and attempt homicide in the beating of a man in the 1000 block of University Blvd. E., Takoma Park, at about 12:30 a.m. Friday, September 1.
Two Montgomery County patrol officers were on a traffic detail when a citizen reported a man was being beaten nearby. As the county officer responded to the location, a suspect ran to a waiting vehicle, which the officer blocked with his cruiser.
Three men fled the suspect vehicle, with one county officer pursuing and the other providing medical assistance to the victim. Takoma Park officers arrived to assist in the pursuit.
A Takoma Park officer and the county officer boxed the fleeing suspect in a nearby alleyway in a Prince George’s County apartment complex. Jose Danis Ramos, 27, of 1017 Quebec Terrace, was detained after emerging from a hiding spot.
The victim, a 27-year-old Silver Spring man, was transported to an area hospital with life threatening injuries. His identity is not being released pending notification of relatives.
Canine and helicopter searches supported the patrol canvas for two additional suspects, who have not been located or identified at this time. No motive has been determined for the assault.
Takoma Park Police are asking that any witnesses to the incident contact police at 301/270-1100.
No additional information is available at this time.
Takoma Park Police Department
Aug. 25 - 31, 2006
Prepared by: Detective A/Lt. T. Collington. This blotter is not intended to be inclusive of all crime and arrests reported to the Takoma Park Police Department.
Arrests
On August 26 at 5:03pm in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with prohibited transfer of recorded sounds or images (selling counterfeit CDs/DVDs). 06-10685
On August 27 at 7:44 pm at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Route 410, an adult male was arrested and charged with driving while impaired by alcohol, driving under the influence of alcohol and two traffic related charges. 06-10691
Arrests (cont'd):
On August 28 at 12:08 am in the 7000 block of Carroll Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol and two traffic related charges. 06-10752
On August 28 at 11:04 am in the 8300 block of Roanoke Avenue, an adult female was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for identity fraud (fraudulent use of credit card). 06-7727
On August 29 at 4:55 pm in the 8200 block of Houston Ct., an adult female was arrested and charged with 1st degree assault after police received a report of a domestic assault. 06-10839
On August 31 at 11:35 am in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear in court on a charge of possession of CDS. 06-10936
Crime Reports
On August 25 at 1:56 am in the 6400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, a commercial burglary was attempted. Officers responded to an alarm at a gas station and found the front glass door shattered. Entry was not gained. 06-10594
On August 27, between 8:30 pm and 9:26 pm in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an auto theft occurred. The 1991 Chevrolet Caprice was left unattended, unlocked and with the keys in the ignition. 06-10762
Between August 23, time unknown and August 28 at 9:46 am at the intersection of Sligo Mill Road and Orchard Avenue, an auto theft occurred. It is unknown how the 1989 Chevrolet van was stolen. 06-10778
Between August 29 at 6:00 pm and August 30 at 8:00 am in the 7400 block of new Hampshire Ave., a commercial burglary was attempted. The door knob of a storage unit in the building was damaged. 06-10887
End