NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Police Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
April 20, 2008 (1:55 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On April 18, 2008, at approximately 11:39 p.m., the Takoma Park Police, while patrolling the area of Sligo Mill Road and Sheridan Avenue, observed a lock missing from the door and damage done to the doorknob of the Casa Day Labor trailer. Inside the trailer, officers found three subjects identified as Carlos Antonio Velasco, 24, of Hyattsville, Maryland; Hector Espino, 47, of no fixed address; and Dionicio Jesus Velasco-Molina, 41, also of Hyattsville, Maryland. All three subjects were arrested and charged with 4th Degree Burglary and transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit for an appearance before a District Court Commissioner.
The National Weather Service has issued a FLOOD WATCH for Montgomery County from 9am until late tonight. A developing storm system is expected to bring heavy rain to the area over the next 24 hours. Widespread 1-2" probable with up to 4+" possible in some areas. Expected heavy rain may have the potential to cause severe and unexpected flooding within the next 24 hours. This storm system also has the potential for hail and high winds.
Floods kill more people every year than any other weather hazard. Do not drive through flooded areas. As little as 2 feet of water can sweep a vehicle off the road. Please stay alert for any warnings.
A FLOOD WATCH is issued when there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. Creeks, Streams, and low lying areas should be monitored for flooding.
T1 Beat:
No reported incidents.
T2 Beat:
Auto Theft:
1992 Toyota Camry 600 block of Houston Avenue 4/11
T3 Beat:
Robbery:
A strong-arm robbery occurred in the 300 block of Ethan Allen Avenue, Thursday, 4/10 at 11:30 p.m. Victim exiting bus when confronted by suspect (an acquaintance of victim). Suspect asked victim for money, victim refused and proceeded to walk away from suspect. Suspect followed victim, asked for money again, and when victim said no the suspect threw a can of beer at the victim. Suspect began to attack the victim with brass knuckles, repeatedly striking victim in the face and kicking him. Suspect went through victim’s pocket, removed wallet, found no money and fled. Suspect: A/M, 30 years of age, 170 lbs., medium build, short hair.
A strong-arm robbery occurred in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Friday, 4/11 at 8:23 p.m. Victim was walking in front of Gallo Clothing, approached by two suspects who struck victim in the face and pushed victim to the ground. While on the ground, suspects kicked victim and went through victim’s pockets, removing cash and property. Two adult males were arrested and charged with Robbery and Second Degree Assault.
A strong-arm robbery occurred in the 1100 block of University Boulevard, Saturday, 4/12 between 3:50 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. Suspect asked victim for money, when victim refused two other suspects assaulted the victim in an attempt to take his money. Suspect(s): Four H/M.
Assault:
A simple assault occurred in the 7300 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Sunday, 4/13 between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. Suspect and victim, who are acquaintances, got into an argument. Suspect grabbed victim’s hair and smacked her in the back of the head.
A domestic assault occurred in the 500 block of Ethan Allen Avenue, Thursday, 4/17 at 4:15 a.m. Suspect grabbed girlfriend by the throat during an argument. Suspect identified, no further action.
Larceny:
1300 block of University Boulevard, 7-11, Sunday, 4/13 at 3:06 a.m. Property taken. Suspect: H/M, 5’7”-5’9”, 25 to 30 years of age, wearing blue jeans and a yellow shirt.
900 block of Merrimac Drive, 7-11, Monday, 4/14 at 11:34 p.m. Property taken. An adult female and an adult male were arrested and charged with Larceny.
Arrests:
On Thursday, April 10 at 8:42 p.m. in the 600 block of Houston Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Sell Cocaine.
On Friday, April 11 at 1:23 p.m. in the 900 block of Merrimac Drive, an adult male was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Open Alcohol Container.
On Friday, April 11 at 5:00 p.m. in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open warrant for Fourth Degree Burglary.
On Sunday, April 13 at 2:11 p.m. in the 7600 block of Carroll Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine, and an adult male was arrested on an open warrant for First and Second Degree Assault.
On Tuesday, April 15 at 12:09 a.m. in the 1300 block of University Boulevard, an adult male was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct.
On Wednesday, April 16 at 10:22 p.m. in the 7600 block of Maple Avenue, a juvenile male was arrested and charged with Failure to Obey a Lawful Order.
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Police Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
April 16, 2008 (10:32 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On April 16th at approximately 6:45 p.m., units responded to Cherry Avenue at the intersection of Sligo Creek Parkway for reports of a six year old pedestrian struck. Investigation revealed that the child was skateboarding downhill from an apartment parking lot and struck the rear passenger side of a pick up truck traveling southbound on Cherry Avenue. The mother was on the scene, and the driver of the vehicle remained on the scene. The child was taken to MedStar and is listed in critical condition. No charges have been filed against the driver at this time.
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Police Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
April 14, 2008 (3:00 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Awards Committee met on March 21, 2008, and considered a variety of factors before the final selection of the 2007 Officer of the Year, who is
D/Pfc. Thomas Black
D/Pfc. Black was selected because of his overall outstanding performance of duties as an officer and his dedication to the Department in numerous additional tasks, including his new role as detective in the Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU). His record of arrests was significant, covering a variety of charges.
D/Pfc. Black took the Oath of Office with the Takoma Park Police Department on October 24, 2005, after successful completion at the Prince George’s County Municipal Police Academy. D/Pfc. Black successfully completed his field training on January 24, 2006. On April 11, 2007, he was promoted to Private First Class. D/Pfc. Black currently works in the Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) division of the Takoma Park Police Department, assisting, among other things, in its newly formed plainclothes unit. D/Pfc. Black’s teamwork, persistence and efforts to take felons off the streets, to ensure the safety of others, is outstanding.
The Committee conducted extensive discussion, considering a few officers as candidates, who performed well in 2007. The committee will continue to review other officers and nominations for additional awards.
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Police Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
April 14, 2008 (12:40 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci from the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrests of Carlos Sanchez, 21, of Hyattsville, Maryland, and Santiago Cabrerra, 41, of Hyattsville, Maryland.
On April 11, 2008, at approximately 8:23 p.m., units from the Takoma Park Police Department responded to the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue for a report of an assault and robbery. The victim stated he was walking in front of a business when he was assaulted by Sanchez and Cabrerra, who also took property from him. Sanchez and Cabrerra were both charged with Strong Arm Robbery and 2nd Degree Assault. They were transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit for an appearance before a District Court Commissioner.
Saturday, April 12, 2008, 12:04 AM: The southbound lanes of Carroll Avenue are now open. Part of the northbound lanes of Carroll Avenue are also now open.
Due to a quick forming storm, with high winds, several trees and wires have fallen. Please avoid using Flower Avenue and Jackson Avenue as the roads are being temporarily blocked off. A tree has fallen on a house in the 7400 block of Flower Avenue and wires are down. No one was hurt.
Also, the northbound and southbound lanes of Carroll Avenue near Long Branch Parkway have been temporarily shut down due to a tree that has fallen across the roadway.
Pepco has been called in to take care of the wires and the State Highway Administration has been called to remove the trees.
Updates will follow.
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Police Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
April 11, 2008 (12:14 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On April 8, 2008, the Takoma Park Police Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU), assisted by members of Takoma Park Police patrol team, were conducting a surveillance at the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue. At approximately 5:20 pm, a subject was observed removing a bicycle from behind one of the businesses in a suspicious manner. Upon investigation, a juvenile, who resides in the District of Columbia, was detained for possession of a stolen bicycle. The juvenile was taken into custody and transported to the Takoma Park Police Department, processed and released to the custody of his parent.
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Police Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
April 11, 2008 (12:10 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On April 8, 2008, the Takoma Park Police Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) were called out to Montgomery College on Takoma Avenue for reports of suspicious behavior by several subjects. Through investigation, several of the suspects were questioned, photographed and released. Manley Destine, 19, of Takoma Park, Maryland was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana. Destine was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit for an appearance before a District Court Commissioner.
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Police Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
April 11, 2008 (12:08 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci from the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of Trevlyn Hinton, 24, of Hyattsville, Maryland.
On April 10, 2008, at approximately 8:24 p.m., the Takoma Park Police Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU), received a call to advise of suspected drug activity in the rear parking lot in the 600 block of Houston Avenue. A surveillance of the area led detectives to Hinton. After trying to flee from detectives, Hinton was apprehended and charged with possession of crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute. Hinton was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit for an appearance before a District Court Commissioner.
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Police Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
April 11, 2008 (12:05 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci from the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrests of Troy E. Hackett, 42, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Taylor B. Gavin, 19, of Wheaton, Maryland; and Christopher N. Horton, 38, of Silver Spring, Maryland.
On April 9, 2008, the Takoma Park Police Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU), assisted by members of the Takoma Park Police patrol team, conducted a surveillance related to a narcotics and vice investigation at the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue. After surveillance and investigation, the referenced suspects were arrested and charged as follows:
Hackett was charged on an open warrant for violation of probation;
Gavin was charged with possession of crack cocaine; and
Horton was charged with possession of marijuana.
All suspects were transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit for an appearance before a District Court Commissioner.
T1 Beat:
Robbery:
An armed robbery occurred in the 100 block of Elm Avenue, Saturday, 4/05 at 12:00 a.m. Victim approached from behind, suspect implied a gun beneath shirt, then ordered victim to “Get on the ground.” Suspect took cash, then hit victim on side of his face and fled toward light colored, white or silver, van. Suspect: B/M, 18-20 years of age, 5’4” to 5’5”, skinny build, dark complexion, wearing all black with silver chain and diamond cross, hair either short or wearing a skull cap. No description of vehicle driver.
Assault:
A domestic assault occurred in the 6500 block of Eastern Avenue, Sunday, 4/06 at 5:22 p.m. Suspect slapped victim across the face then fled residence. Adult male suspect identified.
Larceny – From Auto:
Vehicle parked in driveway in the unit block of Crescent Place, between Saturday, 4/05 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 4/06 at 9:00 a.m. No forced entry. Property taken.
T2 Beat:
Larceny:
7600 block of Carroll Avenue, Washington Adventist Hospital, Thursday, 4/03 between 5:50 p.m. and 5:57 p.m. Suspect(s) removed unattended property and fled.
8200 block of Flower Avenue, Saturday, 4/05 between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Suspect(s) stole bicycle from back yard.
7700 Carroll Avenue, Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, Saturday, 4/05 between 11:15 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Suspect(s) removed unattended property and fled.
Auto Theft:
1993 Nissan Pickup 8200 block of Roanoke Ave 3/29-4/07
1997 Acura Integra 8200 block of Roanoke Ave 4/06-4/07
1990 Grand Marquis 7600 block of Maple Ave 4/05-4/07
T3 Beat:
Assault:
A domestic dispute occurred in the 7300 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Monday, 4/07 between 9:00 and 9:15 a.m. Parties engaged in a physical altercation.
Burglary – Residential:
7900 block of Lockney Avenue, Saturday, 4/05 between 2:37 a.m. and 2:59 a.m. Forced entry. No property taken. A 19-year-old male was arrested and charged with burglary in the first degree and malicious destruction of property.
Arrests:
On Saturday, April 5 at 3:42 p.m. in the 8600 block of Flower Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open warrant for failure to appear.
On Sunday, April 6 at 4:15 a.m. in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, two adult males were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, and one adult male was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of cocaine.
On Sunday, April 6 at 11:21 p.m. in the 6700 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open warrant for failure to appear.
On Tuesday, April 8 at 7:13 p.m. in the 7600 block of Takoma Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana.
On Wednesday, April 9 at 9:01 p.m. in the 1300 block of University Boulevard, an adult male was arrested on an open warrant for failure to appear.
On Thursday, April 10 at 1:00 a.m. in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana.
On Thursday, April 10 at 8:42 p.m. in the 600 block of Houston Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with possession with possession of cocaine with intent to sell.
STEEL PLACEMENT POSTPONED FOR I-95/MD 5 (BRANCH AVENUE) PROJECT
NEW DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED – WORK TO BE RESCHEDULED
(April 3, 2008) – Due to forecasted storms on Friday evening, April 4, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) has postponed Friday April 4th ’s scheduled placement of structural steel along I-95 at MD 5 (Branch Avenue). SHA is working with the contractor to reschedule the setting of 12 twenty-ton, curved steel beams and mobilization of the five massive cranes needed to lift the beams in place.
Safety is SHA’s number-one priority and inclement weather forecasted for this weekend presents a hazard to both workers and motorists. Setting structural steel on bridges requires dry conditions, as well as winds less then 25 miles-per-hour. SHA regrets any inconvenience to motorists and citizens affected by the postponement.
The $52 million I-95/MD 5 project began in March 2006 and is expected to be completed by summer 2009, weather permitting. SHA’s contractor for the project is Cherry Hill Construction of Jessup. Citizens who have questions about Branch Avenue, I-95/I-495 or any other State numbered roadway in Prince George’s county, please call SHA’s District 3 office toll free at 1-800-749-0737 or log onto www.marylandroads.com
As a reminder, the Capital Beltway’s Outer Loop (I-95 North/I-495 East) will be reduced from four to three lanes beginning at the Eisenhower Connector Exit on or about the weekend of April 4th. Currently, the Outer Loop transitions from four to three lanes, one mile farther east, at the Telegraph Road Exit. The extension of this three-lane configuration to the Eisenhower Connector Exit is needed to accommodate construction that will be ramping up on and near the Capital Beltway, as part of the Telegraph Road Interchange reconstruction.
The Telegraph Road Interchange effort, valued at $236 million, is the final major contract of the $2.5 billion Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project. For more information, log onto www.wilsonbridge.com. SHA encourages all motorists to drive responsibly and “Think Orange” while driving through work zones by driving the speed limit and remaining alert at all times.
MARYLAND STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE I-95/I-495 (CAPITAL BELTWAY) AT MD 5 (BRANCH AVENUE) ON FRIDAY NIGHT, APRIL 4 AND SATURDAY MORNING, APRIL 5
Crews to Set Bridge Structural Steel for New Bridge at I-95/MD 5 Interchange; I-95 to be Affected for up to 17 Hours; MOTORISTS ENCOURAGED TO AVOID THE AREA
(March 28, 2008) – On Friday night, April 4, as part of the State Highway Administration’s (SHA) $52 million interchange project along MD 5 at I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway), SHA will begin setting structural steel for the southbound Capital Beltway flyover ramp to southbound MD 5 (Branch Avenue.) The steel placement will require a temporary closure of southbound I-95 for up to 14 hours and a temporary closure of northbound I-95 for up to ten hours, weather permitting. The closures are necessary to ensure worker and motorist safety as 12 twenty-ton, curved steel beams are erected and bolted together directly over the travel lanes of I-95. In addition, five massive cranes needed to lift the beams will be on the I-95 travel lanes, necessitating the total road closures.
SOUTHBOUND I-95 (INNER LOOP OF THE BELTWAY)
• Beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, the contractor will begin closing lanes of southbound I-95, diverting traffic onto the two-lane ramp to Branch Avenue. Motorists will be detoured to a double-left turn onto Auth Road, across the MD 5 intersection and back to southbound I-95.
• Traffic signal timing will provide the maximum timing for the I-95 traffic being detoured. Major delays are expected along I-95, Auth Road and MD 5 in the area.
• Two lanes along southbound I-95 should re-open by 10 a.m. Saturday morning, though the contract does allow a total closure through 1 p.m. All lanes are expected to open by 1 p.m.
SOUTHBOUND MD 5 RAMP TO NORTHBOUND I-95
• SHA will also close the ramp from southbound MD 5 to northbound I-95 between 8 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday.
• Traffic will be diverted to the MD 5/MD 337 intersection to access northbound I-95.
• The ramp traffic must be detoured as the right shoulder along northbound I-95 will be used as a through lane, meaning ramp traffic would have no merge area.
• SHA suggests either MD 458 (Silver Hill Road) to MD 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue) or MD 414 (Saint Barnabas Road), which both connect to I-95 as an alternate during the ramp closure.
NORTHBOUND I-95 (OUTER LOOP OF THE BELTWAY)
• SHA will close two left lanes of northbound I-95 beginning 8 p.m. Friday night, April 4. Two right lanes will remain open.
• ALL LANES ALONG NORTHBOUND I-95 WILL CLOSE between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, April 5. Traffic will be diverted onto the ramp to southbound MD 5 (Branch Avenue) to MD 337 (Allentown Road) to the I-95/MD 337 interchange, where motorists can access northbound I-95.
• SHA and the contractor will do everything possible to re-open a single right lane along northbound I-95 at 8 a.m. April 5.
• All lanes along northbound I-95 should be open by 1 p.m. April 5.
All lanes along both directions of I-95 and the southbound MD 5 ramp to northbound I-95 are expected to re-open to traffic by 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 5.
To avoid MAJOR delays, motorists are strongly encouraged to use alternate routes. Motorists from the north traveling through the Washington region to points south are encouraged to use I-495 across the American Legion Bridge. Motorists from the east along US 50 should consider US 301 south, or continue along US 50 to MD 295, which turns into I-295 in Washington D.C. and connects back with I-95 near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
Local traffic heading south along MD 295 (Baltimore Washington Parkway), US 50 (John Hanson Highway), MD 214 (Central Avenue) and MD 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue) should use MD 295 or US 50 to I-295 into Washington DC. I-295 connects with I-95 near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
Sent to Montgomery County Severe Traffic 6am-10am/3pm-8pm, Traffic-Gaithersburg, XM Radio Traffic Center, Traffic-Takoma Park, Traffic-Rockville (e-mail accounts) through Alert Montgomery
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T1 Beat:
Robbery:
An armed robbery occurred in the 500 block of Tulip Avenue, Sunday, 3/30 at 3:28 p.m. Victim approached from behind, suspect brandished black automatic handgun and stated “give me your wallet.” Suspect ran to green Honda Accord with Maryland Tag #DGC118. Suspect (2): B/M, 18-20 years of age. No description of vehicle driver.
Burglary – Residential:
7300 block of Holly Avenue, Sunday, 3/30 at 7:12 a.m. Forced entry. No property taken. Attempt only.
T2 Beat:
Robbery:
A strong arm robbery occurred in the 600 block of Kennebec Avenue, Sunday, 3/30 at 1:30 a.m. Victim entering apartment building, approached from behind by three suspects, two suspects punched victim several times in the face, then took victim’s wallet. S1 & 2: B/M, 28-30 years of age. S3: B/M.
Assault:
A simple assault occurred in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, Friday, 3/28 between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Suspects involved in a confrontation with the victim. This confrontation lead to an assault. Suspect (3): H/M, 14-16 years of age.
Larceny - From Auto:
Vehicle parked on street in the 8300 block of East Ridge Avenue, between Monday, 3/31 at 10:00 p.m. and Tuesday, 4/1 at 11:59 a.m. Forced entry. Property taken.
T3 Beat:
Burglary – Residential:
8100 block of Kennewick Avenue, Saturday, 3/29 between 1:55 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Forced entry. No property taken. Attempt only.
Larceny:
7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Quality Inn, Thursday, 3/27 between 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. No forced entry. Property taken.
Stolen Vehicle:
1996 Dodge Dakota 1300 block of University Blvd. 3/28-31
2002 Toyota Sienna 7600 block of New Hampshire Ave 3/31
Arrests:
On Thursday, March 27 at 7:17 p.m. at the intersection of Anne Street and Hammond Avenue an adult male was arrested on an open warrant for CDS manufacture.
On Friday, March 28 at 9:25 p.m. in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue an adult male was arrested and charged with drinking in public and trespassing.
On Monday, March 31 at 5:04 p.m. in the 7300 block of New Hampshire Avenue four juvenile males were arrested and charged with child in need of supervision. Two juveniles were also charged with possession of tobacco product, and one was charged with possession of marijuana.
On Tuesday, April 1 at 2:20 a.m. in the 900 block of Merrimac Drive an adult male was arrested and charged with theft over $500, motor vehicle theft, unauthorized use of motor vehicle, and trespassing.