Suspicious Behavior
There were two separate reports of incidents occurring involving a male touching himself around areas where there are young children that just came to our attention. On September 17, at approximately 4:05 p.m., a young patron of the library observed a light-skinned Hispanic or mixed race male, in his 40’s, touching his private area while walking around the children’s section of the library. On September 26, at approximately 5:50 p.m., on the church steps located at Maple and Tulip Avenue, a black male, 35-50 years old, 5’5-5’6, medium build, medium skin tone, wearing light khaki colored pants, white tee-shirt, a light pink colored jacket and a tan ball cap was seen walking up and down the steps of the church. He was described as having his zipper down with his hand inside the zipper. Units responded to both reports, however they were unable to make contact with the individual both times. It is unclear if the incidents are related and investigation continues. The Takoma Park Police Department encourages its citizens to report any such incidents immediately at 301-270-1100.
TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIME BLOTTER
September 21, 2007 - September 27, 2007
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
On September 21 at 1:56 pm in the 6500 block of Cockerille Avenue, an armed robbery occurred. An adult male was sitting on the front porch of his home when two subjects approached, displayed handguns and demanded his property. After one subject punched him, the victim handed over his wallet and cell phone. The victim was not injured. The subjects fled in a four door black Honda being driven by a third subject. The same subjects and vehicle had approached the victim’s friend at the same location a short time earlier, asking for directions. The subjects were described as black males. The first subject was 6', 150-160 lbs, long hair, wearing all dark clothing. Subject two was described as 6', 150-160 lbs, short corn rows, wearing dark pants/jeans and a white T-shirt. No description was given for the driver. 07053373
Between September 21 at 11:00 pm and September 22 at 12:49 am in the 7700 block of Garland Avenue, a 2004 Honda Civic and a 1998 Toyota Camry were stolen by unknown means. 07053373
On September 23 at 10:40 am in the 1100 block of University Blvd., a strong arm robbery was attempted. Two subjects approached an adult male and asked for money. When the victim said no, the subjects struck him several times, knocking him to the ground before fleeing on foot. Nothing was taken from the victim. He was slightly injured. The subjects were described as white Hispanic males, in early twenties, 5'5"-5'7" tall, average build, wearing white tee shirts. 07053610
On September 23 at 2:05 pm in the 8000 block of Wildwood Drive, a burglary was attempted. A homeowner came home and found a subject removing property from his shed. The subject ran off when he saw the owner. The shed’s lock had been removed. The subject was described as a white male, mid twenties, 5'9", 160 lbs., blond hair, wearing dark blue jeans and a white and blue tee shirt. 07053642
On September 23 at 6:40 pm in the 7200 block of Holly Avenue, a 1996 Dodge Caravan was stolen by unknown means. 07053677
On September 26 at 5:45 pm in the 7300 block of New Hampshire Avenue, a residential burglary occurred. The resident, an adult female who was home alone heard a door open and when she checked, saw an unknown subject in her apartment. The victim left the apartment immediately and called police. The subject fled before police arrived. Nothing was taken and the victim was not injured. He was described as Hispanic, mid 30's, heavy build, 5'10", black hair, wearing brown slacks and a blue tee shirt. 07054304
Arrests:
On September 21 at 8:55 pm in the 7600 block of Maple Avenue, a criminal citation for disorderly conduct was issued to an adult male. 07053336
On September 24 at 12:56 pm in the 7600 block of Carroll Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an outstanding warrant for 1st degree assault. 07053804
On September 26 at 12:39 pm in the 1000 block of East West Highway, an adult male was arrested and charged with theft under $500 and several traffic related offenses. 07054263
End
Update to Community Advisory - Stolen Vehicle
The recovered vehicle was stolen from Washington, D.C. A warrant is pending for the stolen vehicle and the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is working to identify the stolen property owners. Investigation continues by TPPD under case #07054365. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.
Stolen Vehicle
On September 26th, at approximately 8:40 p.m., units responded to a business located in the 6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue for a report of suspicious persons attempting to pass stolen items. Before units arrived, the suspects fled, leaving a white Jeep Cherokee they had arrived in. Investigation revealed the vehicle to be stolen from Montgomery County. Several valuable items within the vehicle were recovered. Investigation continues by TPPD under case #07054365. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.
Breaking & Entering
On September 26th, at approximately 6:00 p.m., units responded to a breaking & entering in progress in the 7500 block of New Hampshire Avenue. The victim was at home when she heard someone enter her property. The suspect fled upon seeing the victim. No property was taken. The area was tracked with negative results. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, mid-30’s, 5’8, 160 lbs, light-skinned, wearing a blue tee-shirt, brown pants and backpack. Investigation continues by TPPD under case #07054304. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.
Citizen Arm Robbery
On September 26th at approximately 6:11 a.m., units responded to Washington Adventist Hospital to investigate a victim with stab wounds. Investigation revealed that while standing at the corner of Houston and Flower Avenue, the victim was approached by four Hispanic males who demanded money. The victim refused and the suspects attacked him and then fled in a vehicle, possibly a dark colored Sedan, last seen heading towards Piney Branch Road. The victim suffered injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Property was taken. The area of the crime was tracked with negative results. There are four suspects who all all Hispanic males. Suspect one is described as a Hispanic male, long black hair in a ponytail, goatee, wearing a white tank top and blue jeans. Suspects two and three are described as Hispanic males wearing all dark or black clothing. Suspect four is a Hispanic male. The suspects spoke with an “El Salvador” type accent. Investigation continues by TPPD under case #07054178. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.
Police Chief in Chicago for National Violent Crime Summit
Chief Ronald Ricucci is in Chicago September 25-26, 2007, for the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) National Violent Crime Summit. He is meeting with police chiefs and political leaders to discuss the crime rate in America.
TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIME BLOTTER
September 7, 2007 - September 13, 2007
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
Between September 8 at 1:00 am and September 9 at 8:45 am in the 7800 block of Wildwood Drive an auto theft was attempted. A door lock of the 2001 Toyota Takoma was damaged. 07050901
Between September 9 at 9:00 pm and September 10 at 3:15 pm in the 7900 block of Kennewick Avenue, an auto theft was attempted. A door lock and ignition of the 2000 Jeep Cherokee were damaged. 07050973
Between September 11 at 6:45 am and September 12 at 12:30 am in the 7500 block of Carroll Avenue, a residential burglary occurred. It is unknown how entry was gained. Property was taken. 07051315
Arrests:
On September 8 at 11:30 am in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult female was arrested and charged with possession of CDS paraphernalia. 07050592
On September 9 at 11:15 pm in the unit block of Manor Circle, an adult male was arrested and charged with two counts of 1st degree child abuse and two counts of 2nd degree child abuse after police responded to a call for a family dispute in progress. 07050858
On September 11 at 7:15 am in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult male was charged with driving while suspended. 07051096
End
TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIME BLOTTER
September 14, 2007 - September 20, 2007
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
Between September 13 at 10:00 pm and September 14 at 6:05 am in the 7600 block of Maple Avenue, the windows of a 2004 Honda CRV were smashed. The car’s airbags were stolen. 07051785
Between September 13 at 11:30 pm and September 14 at 11:30 am in the 7700 block of Maple Avenue, a window of a 2002 Nissan X-Terra was smashed. The car’s airbags were stolen. 07051837
Between September 14 at 8:00 pm and September 15 at 6:57 am in the 6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue, a commercial burglary occurred. The front door window was smashed. No property was taken. 07052019
Between September 14 at 8:00 pm and September 15 at 6:58 am in the 6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue, a commercial burglary occurred. The adjoining store was broken into earlier and a hole was made in the wall between the two stores. Cash and property were taken. 07052022
On September 15 at 12:15 pm in the 400 block of Tulip Avenue, a strong arm robbery occurred. The victim, an adult female was walking when she was bumped from behind by a subject while a second subject grabbed her purse. The victim was not injured. Both subjects fled in a blue compact car. The subjects were described as black males, between 18 and 20. One was 5'9", thin build with an afro. The second was 6', short hair and thin build. 07052063
On September 15 at 10:25 am in the 8100 block of Carroll Avenue, the owner of a 2001 Ford Econoline van arrived home and saw a window of the van smashed and an unknown subject inside the van. The subject fled on foot when he saw the owner. Nothing was taken. The subject was described as Hispanic, wearing a gray sweat shirty and brown shorts. No further description was given. 07052157
Between September 15 at 6:00 pm and September 16 at 11:00 am in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, a window of a 2001 Honda CRV was smashed. The airbags were taken. 07052243
On September 16, between 6:00 pm and 10:30 pm in the 7700 block of Garland Avenue, a 2004 Honda Civic was stolen by unknown means. 07052440
Arrests:
On September 15 at 10:18 pm in the 300 block of Grant Avenue, a citation for possession of alcohol by a minor was issued to a male juvenile. 07052171
On September 15 at 4:49 pm in the 7800 block of Cole Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open warrant for theft under $500 and consuming alcohol in a public areas. 07052101
End
Citizen Notice
Attempted Strong Arm Robbery
On September 23rd at approximately 10:40 a.m., units responded to a business located in the 1100 block of University Blvd. for reports of an attempted citizen armed robbery. The victim was approached by two Hispanic males who demanded money. The victim refused and the suspects attacked him and then fled through a rear door. The victim suffered minor injuries. No property was obtained from the victim. The area was tracked with negative results. Both suspects are described as being in their early twenties, 5’5 - 5’7, of average build, clean-shaven and wearing white tee-shirts and white tennis shoes. One suspect had on black shorts and the other had on blue jean shorts. Investigation continues by TPPD under case #07053610. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.
Takoma Park Street Festival, October 7, 2007
Takoma Park's Street Festival will be held on Sunday, October 7, 2007. The Street Festival will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude at approximately 6:00 p.m. The following roads will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:
Carroll Avenue (North/South Bound) between Route 410 and Laurel Avenue
Laurel Avenue between Carroll Avenue and Eastern Avenue
Carroll Street between Laurel Avenue and Eastern Avenue
Police personnel will be stationed at Tulip and Carroll Avenue to provide emergency vehicles, with access to Victory Towers, 7051 Carroll Avenue.
A possible detour for the Carroll Avenue closure for southbound traffic is to make a right on to Route 410 (Philadelphia Avenue), go to the traffic light and make a left on to Maple Avenue, then on to Carroll Street, N.W. Another option may be to take Philadelphia to Piney Branch Road, make a left which will take you to Eastern Avenue.
Citizen's Alerts
The Takoma Park Police Department prides itself on alerting its citizens, when the information becomes available, to crimes, and other newsworthy events, large and small. It has come to the attention of the Chief that there is dissatisfaction over the timeframe that these alerts are being given. An alert is not just to “warn” but to “inform” the citizens of incidents that have occurred. These alerts cannot always be given at the time of the act. To have an officer stop an investigation to put out an alert, or contact the PIO to put out the alert, could impede his or her efforts in finding the criminal, thus doing the City and its citizens a huge disservice. Information is disseminated when the facts are clear and concise. To alert on every activity as it unfolds could prove harmful and misleading. We hope our citizens understand that our job first and foremost is to catch the “bad guy” and then give out information as quickly as possible thereafter when the facts have been confirmed. The Takoma Park Police Department continues to welcome questions and comments from its citizens. After all, the purpose of the alerts is to inform and promote involvement of the citizens.
Pedestrian Struck
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
* 7500 Maple Avenue * Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci, 301/891.7104
Catherine E. Plevy, 301/891.7142
September 18, 2007 (10:15 a.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On September 18th, at approximately 5:30 a.m., a pedestrian was struck at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Erskine Avenue. The victim was taken by ambulance to Med Star for severe head injuries, however, is in stable condition. No charges have been filed in this incident. Investigation continues by TPPD under case #07052563.
Stolen Vehicle
On September 15th, at approximately 6:40 p.m., the Takoma Park Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) was conducting an undercover patrol in the area of Westmoreland Avenue. One of the officers observed a gray Audi TT Convertible making an unsafe u-turn at the intersection of Westmoreland and Second Avenue. A run of the tag revealed that the vehicle was stolen from Montgomery County on September 14th. The officer observed the driver park the confirmed stolen vehicle in front of a residence in the 6700 block of Westmoreland Avenue and disappear into one of the residences. The driver was a Hispanic male, large build with bushy hair. The driver was observed several minutes later getting back into the confirmed stolen vehicle. An attempt to apprehend the suspect was unsuccessful, as he fled at a high rate of speed north on Westmoreland Avenue, narrowly missing hitting an officer’s vehicle. A look out was given to patrol officers and the vehicle was eventually located in the 7200 block of Spruce Avenue, unoccupied.
Officers returned to Westmoreland Avenue and, through investigation, were able to acquire the identity of the suspect. A warrant has been issued, however, the suspect is still at large. Investigation continues by TPPD under case #0752134. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.
STRONG ARM ROBBERY
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
* 7500 Maple Avenue * Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci, 301/891.7104
September 17, 2007 (10:35 a.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On September 15th at approximately 12:25 p.m., units responded to Tulip and Maple Avenue for the report of a strong arm robbery that had just occurred. The victim stated that she was on Tulip Avenue, just prior to Maple Avenue, when she was bumped from behind. One suspect grabbed her purse and then ran up Maple Avenue with a second suspect to a blue compact car. The car was possibly a Nissan or Dodge last seen heading into Washington, D.C. The victim was not hurt. The victim described the suspects as two black males between the ages of 18 and 20. One suspect was approximately 5’9, an afro and thin build. The second suspect was approximately 6’0, short hair cut, and a lanky build. No other description was given. Investigation continues by TPPD under case #07052063. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.
String of Burglaries
Officers from the Takoma Park Police Department responded to the reports of six residential burglaries on Wednesday September 5th. The incidents appear to be grouped into two separate areas within the City. Two burglaries were reported on Gude Avenue that are believed to have occurred in the days prior to Monday, September 3rd. Computer accessories were taken in both cases. The reports are under case numbers 07049909 and 07050039.
In the second series, which happened at various times throughout the day on Wednesday, September 3rd, houses were burglarized on Hodges Lane, Darwin Avenue, Piney Branch Road, and Albany Avenue. In three of the four cases, entry was made through unlocked doors or windows, usually on the side or rear of the houses. In only one of the four cases was property taken from the residence; a laptop computer. A computer was tampered with in another case, but not taken. The reports are under case numbers 07049999, 07050026, 07050021, and 07050049.
In Wednesday's events, it does not appear that the suspect(s) were particularly skillful in their means of perpetrating the crimes. The ease of entry into the houses should indicate to residents in the City that they need to take basic steps to secure their property when they leave their homes, even for brief errands. People should be observant of others who may be loitering in their neighborhoods, and report suspicious activity to the Police Department, immediately. Parents should also be observant of items that their children may bring home from school, that are known not to belong to them, such as laptops, cell phones, PDA devices, etc.
Details of the individual burglaries will be followed up in the weekly crime blotter.
If you have any information about these cases, please call 301-270-1100 and ask to speak with an investigator. Your information may be valuable to us in solving these crimes.
Catherine E. Plevy
Executive Assistant
Office of the Chief of Police
7500 Maple Avenue
Takoma Park, Maryland 20912
Commercial Armed Robbery
On September 4th units responded to the 6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue for the report of a commercial armed robbery. The two suspects caught employees opening a business and robbed them. Property and money was taken. The suspects are described as two black males, both wearing black pants and one wearing a white shirt and the other a gray shirt. Both brandished handguns. The suspects fled on foot in an unknown direction. A K-9 track was conducted with negative results. Investigation continues by TPPD under case #07049626. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.
Armed Robbery
On September 3rd units responded to the 900 block of Larch Avenue for the report of an armed robbery. The victim stated he was walking home on Ethan Allen Avenue and turned onto to Elm Avenue towards Larch Avenue when an unidentified black male robbed him. Property and money was taken. The victim indicated there were three to four other possible suspects standing behind the suspect who robbed him. The suspect is described as a dark-skinned black male, 20-24 years old, 5’9-5’10, weighing 160-170 pounds, with a short afro. He was wearing a white t-shirt with some type of pattern on it. The other possible suspects were black males with medium builds. Investigation continues by TPPD under case #07049428. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.
ARMED ROBBERY
On September 1st units responded to the 1100 block of Myrtle Avenue for the report of an armed robbery. The victim stated he was arriving home from work at approximately 8:30 PM when two unidentified black males robbed him. Property and money was taken. The suspects fled through the woods in an unknown direction. A K-9 track was conducted with negative results. The first suspect is described as a black male, 16-22 years old, 5’10-5’11, weighing 150-160 pounds. He was wearing a black long sleeve shirt, black pants and a black ski mask. The second suspect is described as a black male, 16-22 years old, 5’6-5’8, weighing 160-180 pounds. He was wearing a black long sleeve shirt, black pants and a black ski mask. One of the suspects brandished a handgun. Investigation continues by TPPD under case #07049231. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.