TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIME BLOTTER
December 14, 2007 - December 21, 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 December 14, at 9:00 pm in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, a theft occurred. Two adult females who had just exited a bus were approached by three male subjects. While two of the subjects distracted one of the females, the third subject grabbed her purse from behind and all three fled on foot. The victim was not injured. The subjects were described as black males, 20-27 years old. The first two were wearing blue jeans, dark sweatshirts and one had a dark baseball cap on. No further description was given for the third subject. 07071398
Between December 13 at 9:00 pm and December 14 at 11:30 am in the 400 block of Boston Avenue, a vandalism to and theft from auto occurred. A window of the 2001 Honda Civic was smashed. Property was taken. 07071260
Between December 14 at 10:30 pm and December 15 at 8:30 am in the 7300 block of Holly Avenue, a 1997 Plymouth Breeze was stolen by unknown means. 07071506
Between December 16 at 9:00 pm and December 17 at 10:00 am in the 6400 block of 4th avenue, a 2004 GM Denali was stolen by unknown means. 07071840
On December 20 at 12:42 pm in the 6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an armed robbery occurred. Three subjects with handguns entered a store, ordered three of the four employees to lay down and ordered the store manager to open two safes. One subject hit the manager with his gun several times. After taking money from the victims, the safes and a donation jar, the subjects fled in a gray Plymouth Voyager. The victim that was hit was not seriously injured. The subjects were described as black males, in the mid 20's. Subject one was 5’11", 150-160 lbs, wearing a green hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and armed with a 9mm handgun; subject two had a dark complexion, wearing blue jeans, black jacket and armed with a silver handgun; and subject three was 6’2, small build, wearing a black jacket, black jeans and armed with a black handgun. All three suspects had concealed their faces. 07072567
Between December 14 at 6:00 pm and December 17 at 6:50 am in the 300 block of Tulip Avenue, a commercial burglary occurred. It is unknown how entry to the school was gained. Property was taken. 07071812
On December 20, between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, a vandalism to and theft from auto occurred. A window of the 2008 Ford minivan was smashed. 07072681
Arrests:
On December 16 at 3:45 am in the 7600 block of Carroll Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with 1st degree assault, 2nd degree assault, false imprisonment, and providing false information to police as a result of a domestic assault that occurred earlier, at 2:10 am, in the 8600 block of Flower Avenue. 07071648
On December 15 at 10:13 pm in the 1300 block of University Blvd., an adult male was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving while impaired by alcohol. 07071987
On December 18 at 11:23 pm in the 7200 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male and an adult female were arrested and charged with auto theft, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and theft over $500. The male was also charged with possession of CDS. 07071997
On December 20 at 9:40 am in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with failure to appear in court on a charge of possession of CDS paraphernalia. 07072506
On December 20 at 7:23 pm in the 1300 block of University Blvd., an adult male was arrested and charged with theft under $500 (shoplifting). 07072685
End
Annual Holiday Pedestrian Safety Initiative
The annual holiday pedestrian safety initiative, coordinated by the Maryland International Corridor CSAFE Team, was a success again this year! With over six media outlets present, four from the Hispanic media, the initiative received more attention than ever before. Both Univision and Telemundo featured the event and crosswalk safety as their major stories on their news broadcasts. With Santa Claus himself demonstrating how to properly use a crosswalk, the message was made clear that the place to cross the street safely is in between those white painted lines.
There was great participation from Montgomery County, Prince George's County and the Takoma Park Police Departments. A total of 22 officers participated in the initiative. One of the Special Assignment Team (SAT) Units and the Community Response Team (CRT) Units participated from the Prince George's County Police Department, District 1. The newly formed Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) from the Takoma Park Police Department participated, along with three officers from the patrol division. The Montgomery County Police Department dedicated eight officers from their Silver Spring Traffic Enforcement Unit. Collectively, officers issued the following:
(a) seventy (70) warnings to both pedestrians and vehicles for jaywalking or failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk;
(b) three (3) warnings for speeding;
(c) five (5) citations to vehicles that failed to yield to a pedestrian; and
(d) eleven (11) citations for speeding.
Due to the cold weather, the activity only lasted for one and a half (1 ½) hours; however that did not hinder the officers or community volunteers from working hard. Community volunteers and officers distributed thousands of candy canes, educational brochures and reflective wear for zippers and shoelaces. At times, the multilingual volunteers were able to play an important role in breaking down language barriers that some officers and pedestrians encountered by providing translation assistance to non-English speaking pedestrians. The volunteers assisted the officers with conveying an important safety message: "Use the crosswalk.”
Armed Robbery (Weapons Displayed)
On December 20th at approximately 12:40 p.m. units responded to the 6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue for reports of an armed robbery. Three suspects held the victim at gunpoint and demanded money. Property was taken. The victim was not harmed. The suspects were last seen driving a 1997-1998 Plymouth Voyager. Their last known direction of travel was southbound behind the businesses in the 6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue. The suspects are described as (1) black male, 5’11, 150-160 lbs, mid-20’s, wearing a green hoodie, blue jeans, and armed with a 9mm handgun; (2) black male, 5’8, dark complexion, wearing blue jeans, black jacket, and armed with a silver handgun; and (3) black male, 6’2, mid-20’s, small build, wearing a black jacket, black jeans and armed with a black handgun. All three suspects had concealed their faces. Investigation continues under case #07072567. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.
To better serve the community with building a strong and cohesive partnership with our allied law enforcement community, the Takoma Park Police and the District of Columbia Police Departments have agreed to patrol the borders of Takoma Park and the District of Columbia together.
Effectively immediately, every Thursday and Friday, one Officer from each agency will ride together and patrol the borders of each respective jurisdiction. The focus of the initiative is to combat crime along the borders, with the priority being to identify, apprehend and prosecute persons responsible for committing crimes and using the borders as their escape routes.
Recently, there has been an upsurge in the street robberies in the areas near and around the Takoma Park Metro Station and the feeder streets to include the Eastern Avenue corridor of the T1 beat. Several arrests have been made and several of the suspects were linked back to the District of Columbia and in one instance the suspects fled in a stolen vehicle and was last observed going into the District of Columbia. The initiative will also increase the flow of information across the borders and into the community such as suspect lookout information. The joint patrols will enhance Officers’ chances of apprehending suspects in a more expeditious manner.
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 Plevy, 301/891.7142
December 18, 2007 (10:20 a.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On December 18, 2007, at approximately 3:58 a.m., members of the Takoma Park Police Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU), supplemented by members of the Patrol Division, were continuing their Robbery Abatement Detail. As a result, a unit who was conducting patrol in the 7200 block of New Hampshire Avenue observed a suspicious vehicle traveling southbound. A check of the vehicle’s registration plate revealed that the vehicle was listed as stolen through the Montgomery County Police Department. The vehicle was subsequently stopped and the occupants detained. A search of the vehicle revealed heroin located in the vehicle’s front passenger seat. Keith Avery, 37, of Clinton, Maryland and Kimberley E. Robinson, 42, of no fixed address, were arrested for Auto Theft, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and Theft over $500.00. Robinson was also charged with Possession of Heroin. Both subjects were transported to the Montgomery County Police Central Processing Unit pending an appearance before a District Court Commissioner.
Attempted Armed Robbery
On December 14th at approximately 3:51 p.m., units responded to the 6400 block of 4th Avenue for reports of an attempted armed robbery. The victim was approached by two black males asking for the time. They produced handguns and demanded money. The victim was not harmed and no property was taken. The suspects fled on foot and got into a newer model gray or silver Toyota Corolla, with a spoiler on the rear with an unknown D.C. tag number, driven by a third suspect. The vehicle was last seen heading north on 4th Avenue and west on Alleghany Avenue. The suspects are described as three black males, approximately 18-20 years of age. Investigation continues and anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.
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 Plevy, 301/891.7142
December 7, 2007 (12:10 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On December 6, 2007, members of the Takoma Park Police Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU), supplemented by members of the Patrol Division, were continuing the Robbery Abatement Detail in the Takoma Langley/Crossroads area. As a result, a unit observed a suspicious vehicle traveling in the 1300 block of Holton Lane. A check of the vehicle’s registration revealed that the vehicle was listed as stolen through the City of Greenbelt Police Department. The vehicle was subsequently stopped and the occupants detained. Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle’s ignition was punched. A search of the vehicle revealed two replica semi-automatic handguns hidden in the vehicle. Two of the occupants were also found to be in possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) paraphernalia. As a result of this investigation, the driver, identified as Gordon Cummings, 37, of Cambridge, Maryland; Denese Lesueur, 32, of Washington, D.C. and Michelle Dufour, 31, of Washington, D.C. were charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Auto Theft and Theft Over $500. Additionally, Grier Jarret Clayton, 37, of Greenbelt, Maryland, and Lekesha Hopkins, 27, of Takoma Park, Maryland, were also charged with the above offenses, as well as possession of CDS paraphernalia. All five subjects were remanded to the custody of the Montgomery County Department of Corrections pending a bond review. TEU investigators have been working jointly with investigators from the City of Greenbelt Police Department to determine if these subjects were linked to local robberies or other associated criminal activities.
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Lt. Richard Cipperly, 301/891.7117
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142
December 6, 2007 (3:10 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
To help ensure that all of us enjoy our holiday season, the Takoma Park Police Department will be leading a joint initiative to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the roads. In collaboration with the Prince George’s County and Montgomery County Police Departments, Takoma Park Police will be cracking down on alcohol related offenses as part of a multi-jurisdictional task force. This Enhanced Impaired Driver Task Force will operate in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County and the City of Takoma Park and will be conducting checkpoints and increasing patrols in targeted areas. All jurisdictions have common goals for this initiative: foster public safety, stop drunk driving and keep the roads safe. The Takoma Park Police Department would like to thank the Maryland International Corridor CSAFE Program for funding part of this initiative.
On December 14, the City of Takoma Park Police Department would like to invite the media to come out to the Takoma-Langley Crossroads Community to witness this innovative DUI Enforcement tactic, the Enhanced Impaired Multi-jurisdictional Driver Task Force. On this date, all three police jurisdictions, the City of Takoma Park, Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties, will be collaboratively out in force. Media representatives will have the opportunity to speak with police department personnel and capture images and footage of three police jurisdictions working cooperatively. Joint DUI Enforcement activities, including Montgomery County and Takoma Park Police, will also be occurring on two other dates in December in the Crossroads area.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2006, 17,602 people were killed in the United States in alcohol-related motor vehicle traffic crashes. It’s hard to imagine at the holidays, or any other time, the loss of an innocent child, parent, sibling or friend in an unavoidable, tragic alcohol-related incident. Within the next two minutes, another person will be injured in a drunk driving accident. That person could be the driver who made the fateful decision to drive while drunk, or could be someone’s child sitting in his or her car seat running holiday errands with mom or dad. Holidays are some of the most dangerous times on the road. Please be safe.
Message from the Chief of Police
The Takoma Park Police Department has received numerous e-mails and phone calls concerning the release by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services of a juvenile suspect who was arrested on December 4, 2007, and charged with multiple offenses. In our judicial system, the Department of Juvenile Services makes the final determination on when a juvenile, who has been arrested, is incarcerated. In this case, the Takoma Park Police presented the evidence, and the juvenile’s previous record, which led to his initial arrest. With the assistance of the State’s Attorney’s Office, and our officers, we plead our case to the on-call in-take officer for the Department of Juvenile Services. After much heated discussion, and pleading on the part of the Takoma Park Police, we were turned down and the juvenile suspect was released to his parents. In this case, we followed our normal procedures, as we do in all juvenile cases - where our department and the State’s Attorney believe there is a danger or other circumstances warranting the juvenile’s incarceration. When a juvenile is incarcerated, he is entitled to a hearing before a judge who will then make a decision of whether he will continue to be incarcerated or released pending trial.
Our department deemed this juvenile suspect a repeat offender. As a result, we initiated surveillance last night, December 5, 2007, one night after he was released. This surveillance led to his arrest again and the possession of more stolen property. As a result of this arrest, we once again asked for his incarceration, which was this time granted.
Many of you have shared with me your frustrations and concerns over the release of this juvenile. The Takoma Park Police Department has been and will continue to make it a priority to target repeat offenders, whether juvenile or adult, and work towards their incarceration. If you have concerns or complaints concerning the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, you must voice them to the Department of Juvenile Services. Their phone number in Rockville is 301.279.1580 and for Silver Spring is 301.650.6760.
I am committed, as is our entire department, to making our City a safe place. Working together we can make it happen!
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 Plevy, 301/891.7142
December 6, 2007 (2:20 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As a result of the continuing investigation into the December 3, 2007 auto thefts, on December 6, 2007, members of the Takoma Park Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) and Patrol Division were conducting surveillance at the Econo Lodge on New Hampshire Avenue. Officers observed subjects previously linked with auto thefts leaving a room at the Econo Lodge. Investigation revealed that the above individuals were engaged in a drinking and gambling party in the room. Officers located an iPod Nano, which was listed as stolen from a location in Bethesda. It was determined that one of the individuals had stolen the iPod and given it to another. After interview, the individual indicated his involvement with approximately 20 thefts from auto and related attempts in the area of Edward Avenue in Bethesda, Maryland, on or around November 30, 2007. Five subjects were arrested and charged with alcohol violations, Theft Under $500 and possession of stolen property. Four of the subjects are juveniles whose names will not be released. The fifth subject is identified as Isaias Baires, 19, of Silver Spring, Maryland, who was charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor under 21 years of age. One of the juveniles had previously been released to the custody of his parents, after having been declined intake by the Juvenile Justice System. After discussions by a TEU officer and the Department of Juvenile Justice System, two of the juveniles, including the one who had been previously released, were transported to a juvenile detention center without incident and are being held.
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 Plevy, 301/891.7142
December 5, 2007 (12:30 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Curtis Bynum, 55, of Washington, D.C., was arrested for Robbery of a thrift store located in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue. Bynum purchased some items, and took others as he exited the store. When Bynum left with the merchandise, he threatened the victim with a club if he followed him. After a look out was issued, Bynum was located by a Takoma Park Police officer and identified by the victim/business owner. Bynum was arrested without incident and charged with 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
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142
December 5, 2007 (12:00 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On December 4, 2007, members of the Takoma Park Police responded to the rear of the shopping center in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue for a report of a group of Hispanic males fighting with clubs. Two of the victims indicated they had been walking through an alley behind the shopping center when the group of Hispanic males approached and asked for money. The victims indicated they didn’t have any money, and the group of Hispanic males began assaulting them; one hitting them over their heads with a metal pole. The victims were transported to area hospitals where they were treated and released. Before being transported, one of the victim’s positively identified Encillo Vasquez Pena-Longo as being the person who demanded money and then assaulted him and the other victim. Pena-Longo, 27, of no fixed address, was charged with two counts of First Degree Assault and two counts of Attempted Armed 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
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142
December 5, 2007 (12:30 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As a result of the continuing investigation of the December 3rd auto theft arrest, a fifth juvenile was arrested as a result of a surveillance operation in the 1100 block of Kirklynne Avenue. The juvenile was placed into custody and transported to the Takoma Park Police station. The juvenile was also found to be in possession of a key to a stolen 2004 Acura, which was recovered in Takoma Park on November 26th. The juvenile has confessed to the November 30th theft of the 2005 Dodge Magnum, as well as the theft for the Acura, which was recovered on November 26th, as well as at least twelve (12) other stolen autos throughout Montgomery County. The juvenile indicated he is also responsible for multiple thefts from auto, where he admitted to stealing at least 15 cellular phones, multiple GPS units and iPods. The juvenile was charged with two counts of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, two counts of Auto Theft, two counts of Theft over $500, two counts of Theft Under $500, rogue vagabond, possession of stolen property, possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS)/PCP, possession of CDS paraphernalia, and possession of tobacco products by a minor under the age of 18. The juvenile was released to the custody of his parents after the Department of Juvenile Justice declined to take the juvenile into custody.
Citizen Armed Robbery and Assault (Weapon Displayed)
On December 3rd at approximately 3:20 p.m., units responded to the 1400 block of University Boulevard East for reports of a citizen armed robbery. The victim was walking in the 1400 block of University Boulevard East when he was approached by the first suspect who asked for money. The victim stated he didn’t have any and continued to walk. The first suspect approached him again with two additional suspects and assaulted him. The suspects obtained property and then fled on foot. The first suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 25-27 years of age, 5’6, 170 lbs. and was last seen wearing a girls type pink backpack, brown sweater, brown long-sleeved t-shirt and blue jeans. It is also believed that this suspect is armed with a knife. The second suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 27-28 years of age, 5’3, 140 lbs. and was last seen wearing an Adidas backpack, black hoodie and blue jeans. The third suspect can only be described as a Hispanic male. Investigation continues under case #07068863. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.
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 Plevy, 301/891.7142
December 4, 2007 (10:20 a.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On December 3, 2007, members of the Takoma Park Police Tactical Enforcement Unit, supplemented by members of the Patrol Division, were conducting a Robbery Abatement Detail in the Old Town and Takoma Langley/Crossroads area and residential side streets. Detectives on surveillance patrol observed a 2005 Dodge Magnum traveling east on Glenside Drive. This vehicle matched the description of a vehicle that was stolen on November 30, 2007, from the 7300 Block of Carroll Avenue. Detectives checked the vehicle registration, which confirmed the vehicle was stolen from Takoma Park. Officers continued to follow the vehicle which led officers to the rear of Takoma Academy at 8001 Carroll Avenue, where the occupants attempted to bail out and flee from the vehicle. One individual managed to flee and was pursued by officers, however, resulted in a search with no success. Officers arrested the driver of the stolen vehicle and the three remaining occupants. A search of the vehicle and occupants revealed they were transporting evidence linking them to a vehicle theft which occurred on December 1, 2007, in Silver Spring. Also recovered from the vehicle was a quantity of PCP, drug paraphernalia and tools used to commit burglary and theft. The driver was identified as Christian Arias, a 19 year old Takoma Park resident who was charged with: Auto Theft, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Theft over $500.00, Theft Under $500.00, Possession of PCP and Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) Paraphernalia. Three juveniles were also arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit the related offenses and possession of CDS Paraphernalia. Investigators are continuing to develop leads relating to the identity of the fifth suspect.