T1 Beat:
Burglary – Nonresidential
6500 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Seventh Day Adventist Church, between Sunday, October 12 at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 26 at 8:45 a.m. Forced entry. Property taken.
Larceny – From Auto
300 block of Philadelphia Avenue, Friday, October 24 between 1:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Removed (4) wheels from vehicle.
T2 Beat:
Burglary - Residential
100 block of Sherman Avenue, Saturday, October 25 between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. Forced entry. Property taken.
T3 Beat:
Robbery
A strong-arm robbery occurred at on Saturday, October 25 at approximately 8:30 p.m. in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue. The victim was waiting for a ride when she saw a white, unknown make and model vehicle occupied by three black males. Two of the three males exited the vehicle and demanded property. The subjects took the victim’s property, then fled in the vehicle.
Larceny – From Auto
1300 block of University Boulevard, Friday, October 24 between 4:00 p.m. and 4:27 p.m. Forced entry. Property taken.
7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Monday, October 27 between 8:00 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Forced entry. Property taken.
Arrests:
On Thursday, October 23 at 12:00 a.m. in the 1300 block of Holton Lane, an adult male was arrested and charged with Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol.
On Friday, October 24 at 8:27 p.m. in the 7600 block of Takoma Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
On Sunday, October 26 at 10:00 p.m. in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult female was arrested on an open warrant for Failure to Appear.
On Monday, October 27 at 4:22 p.m. in the 7700 block of Maple Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Trespassing.
When: Friday, October 31st
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
All witches, ghosts, goblins and parents, meet Sgt. Smith for a fun and spooky night of trick-or-treating. Sgt. Smith will be issuing glow sticks and reflective Halloween bags to kids and following them around the area in a marked police car. Please meet at 7500 Maple Avenue (Municipal Building).
It’s that time of year again. Time for all the little witches, ghosts and goblins to go out in search of treats. Halloween is an exciting time for children of all ages, but we want to make sure they understand how to keep themselves safe, whether they are with their parents or out with friends. Please review some safety tips as follows:
1. Make sure your child’s costume is bright and reflective since it will become dark outside during the course of their trick or treating. If it’s not, consider putting reflective tape or stripping on their costumes. Make sure their shoes fit well and their costumes are short enough that they don’t find themselves tripping.
2. Put your child’s name, address and phone number somewhere on them, especially for little ones, in case they get separated from you.
3. Review with your child “Stop-Drop-Roll” in case their costume does come in contact with fire.
When trick-or-treating, remind your child(ren):
1. By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
2. Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
3. Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
4. Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
5. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
6. Never cut across yards or use alleys.
7. Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
8. Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
9. Always walk. Never run across a street.
10. Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
11. Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
12. Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.
13. Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
14. No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
15. Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
On October 26, 2008, at approximately 8:45 a.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the Seventh Day Adventist Church in the 6500 block of New Hampshire Avenue, for reports of a burglary. Unknown persons broke a window from the rear of the church and entered the premises, which is currently under renovation. Property was taken. Investigation continues under case #08063662. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.
On October 25, 2008, at approximately 8:55 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to Sherman Avenue for reports of a burglary that had occurred earlier. The victim indicated that she heard noises in her living room between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m. The victim walked into the living room to find an open window. Property was taken. While investigating this burglary, police were approached by a neighbor who indicated that on two separate occasions, an unknown subject had attempted to open the rear sliding glass door which leads to the basement. The victim had been awakened both times to the sound of the dog barking. The victim was unclear on which dates these two attempts occurred, but thought one may have been on October 16, 2008. No property was taken. Investigation continues under both cases #08063590 and #08063593, respectively. Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.
On October 25, 2008, at approximately 8:38 p.m.,Takoma Park Police responded to the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue for reports of a strong armed robbery. Upon arrival, the victim stated she had been robbed by three unknown black males. The victim was waiting for a ride when she saw a white, unknown make and model vehicle occupied by three black males. Two of the three males exited the vehicle and demanded property. The subjects took property from the victim and then fled in the vehicle towards University Blvd. The victim was unharmed. No further suspect information at this time. Investigation continues under case #08063584. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100
Red Ribbon Week is dedicated to Federal Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique Camarena, who was killed by drug traffickers in Mexico in 1985. Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer. When he decided to join the US Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out of it. "I'm only one person", he told her, "but I want to make a difference." In honor of Camarena's memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin. Parents, sick of the destruction of alcohol and other drugs, had begun forming coalitions. Some of these new coalitions took Camarena as their model and embraced his belief that one person can make a difference. These coalitions also adopted the symbol of Camarena's memory, the red ribbon. In 1988, Congress officially proclaimed the first National Red Ribbon Week. The Red Ribbon has now become a symbol for the drug-free movement.
Today marks the end for this year in honor of Red Ribbon Week. However, we can keep it alive all year long, for a lifetime, by practicing safe choices for ourselves and our children.
How can you help your child? Here are some tips:
1. Explain to your child that he/she is very special and that it is important to respect oneself and take care of oneself. This means being drug free.
2. Review the facts about drug use and abuse with your child. Discuss your family’s values about drug use and obeying the law.
3. Teach your child to take medicines only when you or another trusted adult gives it to him/her. Remind your child that it is never right for children to take medication on their own.
4. Encourage your child to take responsibility for saying “NO” to drugs and “YES” to fun and healthy activities.
5. Be a positive role model by maintaining healthy habits in your everyday life.
6. Keep communication open. Create an atmosphere at home where your child feels free to talk to you when he/she has a problem.
7. Role-play refusal skills so your child will know how to resist drugs if they are offered.
8. Build your child’s self-esteem in every way you can. Spend time together and let your child know that your love is constant. Praise your child’s achievements, as well as efforts, to do his/her best. The stronger your child’s self-esteem, the more confident he/she will be to reject drugs and/or other risky behaviors, and instead, choose wholesome activities.
Thank you for your support as we work together to help our children be the BEST that they can be by being DRUG-FREE!!!!!
T1 Beat:
Larceny – From Auto
Carroll Avenue and Willow Avenue, Sunday, October 19 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. No forced entry. Property taken.
T2 Beat:
Assault
A simple assault occurred in the 600 block of Houston Avenue, Thursday, October 16 at 12:15 a.m. Suspect kicked open apartment door and assaulted victim.
A domestic dispute occurred at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue, Sunday, October 18 at 5:48 a.m. Male subject and girlfriend arguing at intersection. Boyfriend forced victim out of vehicle, then shook her and pushed her to the ground.
T3 Beat:
Assault
An aggravated assault occurred in the 1000 block of University Boulevard, Saturday, October 18 at approximately 2:04 a.m. A Takoma Park Police Officer was flagged down by two male subjects who indicated they were assaulted and threatened with a handgun at the bus stop. The suspect provided a description of the suspect, which assisted officers in locating the suspect at University Boulevard and Anne Street. The suspect reached into his waistline and threw an object into a grassy area and fled. An officer began a foot pursuit and apprehended the suspect. Officers recovered a black semi-automatic handgun and the adult male was arrested and charged with 1st Degree Assault.
A simple assault occurred in the 1100 block of University Boulevard, Saturday, October 18 at 2:25 p.m. Suspect slashed victim’s moving truck tire, a verbal altercation ensued, then suspect assaulted victim. B/M suspect known and identified by victim.
An aggravated assault occurred in the 6900 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Sunday, October 19 at 3:00 p.m. Officers received a call for a fight in progress. Two subjects, known to one another, began argument in business. Two adult males were arrested and charged with 1st and 2nd Degree Assault, as well as Disorderly Conduct.
Burglary – Commercial
1000 block of University Boulevard, between Friday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 18 at 8:30 a.m. Attempted forced entry. No property taken.
Larceny – From Auto
7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Friday, October 18 between 1:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Forced entry. Property taken.
6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Wednesday, October 22 at 12:15 a.m. Forced entry. No property taken. Witness observed male smash window and enter vehicle.
Arrests:
On Friday, October 17 at 10:30 p.m. in the 8000 block of Carroll Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct.
On Saturday, October 18 at 12:36 a.m. in the 1300 block of University Boulevard, an adult male was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence.
On Saturday, October 18 at 3:10 a.m. in the 7300 block of Takoma Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence.
On Sunday, October 19 at 3:02 a.m. in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence.
On Sunday, October 19 at 10:09 p.m. in the 7800 block of Chicago Avenue, an adult male was arrested for violating a protection order.
On Sunday, October 19 at 11:35 p.m. in the 8200 block of Flower Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence.
On Monday, October 20 at 4:55 p.m. in the 7600 block of Hammond Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of an Open Alcohol Container.
On Wednesday, October 22 at 8:44 p.m. in the 7500 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Indecent Exposure.
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
October 21, 2008 (3:55 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Takoma Park Police to Host Community Forum on Underage Drinking
City of Takoma Park officials, together with Montgomery County and community members, will participate in a panel discussion to raise awareness of underage drinking on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Mayor Bruce Williams and Police Chief Ronald Ricucci will present opening remarks.
The community forum, called “Keeping it Safe,” will include discussions about the risks associated with underage drinking, social host liability laws, how to protect your teen from underage drinking, house parties and community resources. A question and answer session will follow the discussions.
This national initiative is being spearheaded by multiple federal agencies under the direction of the Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking, the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration and the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention.
The forum is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are requested, but not required.
For more information, please call Maryland International Corridor CSAFE at 301-439-0972 or e-mail Gretchen Hilburger at GretchenH@takomagov.org.
On October 18, 2008, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 600 block of Ray Drive for a suspicious situation. The victim called police and advised that someone was pounding on her back screen door. Upon arrival, officers checked the outside of the victim’s residence but no suspect was located. The victim later advised the officers that she arrived home to find her front screen door knobs had been removed and placed on her steps. She further stated that a suspicious male had followed her home from the park where she had been with her children. That suspect is described as a white male, in his late 40’s to early 50’s, approximately 6’0 to 6’3, with a scruffy beard and white hair. He was last seen wearing a black flannel jacket with blue jeans. No entry was made into the victim’s home. Investigation continues under case #08062125. 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:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
October 20, 2008 (12:42 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On October 19, 2008, at approximately 4:17 p.m., a bicyclist was riding his bike southbound on University Blvd. and failed to yield to oncoming traffic. The bicyclist, who was not wearing a safety helmet, collided with a vehicle and flipped over the hood. The bicyclist was transported to Med Star and is listed in good condition.
Bicyclists are considered vehicle operators; they are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. It is so important to follow safety rules while riding a bicycle, especially if you are riding within and around motor vehicles. Please use the following safety tips while riding your bike:
Always wear a helmet
Obey all traffic controls
Ride your bicycle near the right-hand edge of the road
Never carry another person on your bicycle
Always use hand signals when turning or stopping
Look out for cars at cross street, driveways, and parking places
Be careful when checking traffic and don't swerve when looking over your shoulder
Give pedestrians the right-of-way
Keep your bicycle in good condition
Always ride carefully
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
October 20, 2008 (10:22 a.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci from the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of Christian Cortes, 23, of Wheaton, Maryland, who was charged with 1st and 2nd degree assault, wearing, carrying and transporting a handgun, knowingly possessing a regulated firearm and resisting arrest.
On October 18, 2008, at approximately 2:04 a.m., a Takoma Park Police Officer was flagged down by two male subjects at University Blvd. and New Hampshire Avenue. The subjects had been assaulted and threatened with a handgun at the bus stop in the 1000 block of University Blvd. A description of the suspect was given to the officer. The officer approached the bus stop on foot while another police officer approached the bus stop westbound in a marked police cruiser. Having been given a description of the suspect and the suspect’s clothing, an officer saw the suspect at University Blvd. and Anne Street. The suspect had reached into his waistline and threw an object into the grassy area between a tree and a bush and fled, running across Anne Street behind a building on University Blvd. The officer began a foot pursuit, catching up to the suspect, identifying himself as a police officer and commanding him to stop. The suspect did stop but would not obey commands to lie on the ground and continued walking toward the police officer. After resisting arrest, the suspect was finally apprehended.
Officers returned to the area where the suspect threw the object and retrieved a black semi-automatic handgun. The gun was impounded. Investigation revealed that Cortes saw the two victims at the bus stop and asked for a cigarette. When they refused, Cortes physically assaulted one of the victims and then pointed the gun at him.
Cortes was arrested and transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit for an appearance before a District Court Commissioner. The victims were not seriously injured.
T1 Beat:
Robbery
A strong-arm robbery occurred in the 7100 block of Carroll Avenue, Saturday, October 11 at approximately 12:59 a.m. The victim noticed the first suspect walking towards him with a second and third suspect following closely. The first suspect asked for the time and when the victim gave it to him the suspect assaulted the victim. The suspects demanded property, the victim complied, and then the first suspect fled on food. The second suspect assaulted the victim before following the first suspect. The victim observed all three suspects, and another individual, get into a gray BMW, which drove the wrong way down Park Avenue. The victim flagged down an officer, pointed out the vehicle to the officer and a traffic stop was made. The victim’s property was inside the vehicle, along with two black semi-automatic style BB/pellet handguns. The vehicle was impounded. All four juveniles were charged with strong-arm robbery and released to the custody of their parents.
Larceny – From Auto
Three thefts from vehicles occurred this week. Suspect(s) forced entry in two incidents and stole property. The incident on New Hampshire Avenue involved the theft of two catalytic converters.
7400 block Birch Ave Fri, 10/10, 1:01 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
6400 block New Hampshire Ave Sun, 10/12 12:00 a.m. – Mon, 10/13, 6:00 a.m.
6400 block Eastern Ave Mon, 10/13 12:00 p.m. – Tues, 10/14, 8:00 a.m.
T2 Beat:
Larceny
7600 Carroll Avenue, between Saturday, October 11 at 10:00 a.m. and Monday, October 13 at 12:00 p.m. Suspect(s) stole unsecured property from lounge.
7600 Carroll Avenue, Sunday, October 12 between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Suspect(s) stole victim’s unattended property.
7500 Maple Avenue, Monday, October 13 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Bicycle stolen.
Larceny – From Auto
At least four thefts from vehicles occurred in the 7600 block of Maple Avenue between Thursday, October 9 at 11:00 p.m. and Friday, October 10 at 6:55 a.m. Suspect(s) broke vehicle windows and stole property.
T3 Beat:
Robbery
An armed robbery occurred in the 6700 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Wednesday, October 15 at 11:25 p.m. Prince George’s County Police Department gave a lookout for two subjects that had just committed an armed robbery at the Bank of America in the 6400 block of New Hampshire Avenue. Two B/M suspects, wearing all black, one armed with a shotgun, were last seen running behind the bank. A Takoma Park officer responded to the area to canvas for the suspects when the victims flagged down the officer. The victims advised they were robbed at gunpoint by two B/Ms wearing dark clothing and armed with a shotgun. Suspect 1 and Victim 1 got into a struggle, after which Suspect 1 produced a shotgun and demanded the victim stop and threatened to shoot. The suspects stole Victim 1’s wallet and fled.
Larceny – From Auto
Six thefts from vehicles occurred between Thursday, October 9 at 11:30 p.m. and Friday, October 10 at 7:00 a.m. Suspect(s) broke vehicle vent windows and stole property. Thefts occurred during the same dates and times as the thefts in beat 2. The location of the thefts were:
7500 block Jackson Avenue (2)
400 block Circle Avenue (2)
700 block Devonshire Road
6800 block Prince George’s Avenue
Stolen Vehicle
1000 block Larch Ave Thur, 10/9 at 8:00 p.m. ’99 Dodge Caravan (Attempt)
Arrests:
On Thursday, October 9 at 4:19 p.m. in the 1300 block of University Boulevard, an adult male was arrested and charged with Possession of an Open Alcohol Container.
On Thursday, October 9 at 9:04 p.m. in the 100 block of Lee Avenue, an adult female was arrested and charged with Obstructing/Hindering, Malicious Destruction of Property, and Disorderly Conduct.
On Friday, October 10 at 4:15 a.m. in the 300 block of Lincoln Avenue, a juvenile female was arrested and charged as a Runaway and Child in Need of Supervision.
On Monday, October 13 at 2:00 p.m. in the 1300 block of University Boulevard, an adult male was arrested and charged with Forgery of Checks.
There will be road construction on October 16 and 17, 2008, to repair a section of Maple Avenue. The work will require the closure of the road between Tulip Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM for both days. A detour will route traffic to Cedar Avenue from Tulip Avenue and Maple Avenue and Philadelphia and Maple Avenue.
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
October 11, 2008 (5:20 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci from the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of four juveniles for strong armed robbery.
On October 11, 2008, at approximately1:59 a.m., the victim was walking in the 7100 block of Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland. The victim noticed the first suspect walking towards him with a second and third suspect following closely. The first suspect asked for the time and when the victim gave it to him the suspect assaulted the victim. The suspects demanded property to which the victim complied. The first suspect fled on foot down Carroll Avenue and turned onto Park Avenue. The second suspect assaulted the victim and then followed the first suspect. The victim walked to Park Avenue and saw all three suspects, and another person, get into a gray BMW vehicle and drive the wrong way down Park Avenue. The victim flagged down a Takoma Park Police officer. The victim pointed out the vehicle to the officer and a traffic stop was made. The victim’s property was inside the vehicle, along with two black semi-automatic style BB/pellet handguns. The vehicle was impounded. All four juveniles were charged with strong armed robbery and released to the custody of their parents.
On October 9-10, 2008, between the hours of 8:00 PM and 7:30 AM, unknown suspects broke into, vandalized and stole property from thirteen (13) vehicles from the following locations:
7600 block of Maple Avenue
400 block of Circle Avenue
7500 block of Jackson Avenue
As well as vehicles parked along Birch Avenue, Dogwood Avenue and Prince George's Avenue
All of the vehicles' windows had been smashed out and property stolen. Targeted vehicles were all Honda or Toyota makes.
There were five (5) vehicles in the parking lot of 7600 Maple Avenue on the upper lot next to the pool that were broken into, as well as three (3) on Jackson Avenue, two (2) on Circle Avenue, one (1) on Birch Avenue, one (1) on Dogwood Avenue and one (1) on Prince George's Avenue.
At this time, there is no suspect information.
If anyone has any information concerning these thefts/vandalisms, please contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301.270.1100.
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
October 10, 2008 (12:20 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Takoma Park Police to Host Community Forum on Underage Drinking
City of Takoma Park officials, together with Montgomery County and community members, will participate in a panel discussion to raise awareness of underage drinking on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Mayor Bruce Williams and Police Chief Ronald Ricucci will present opening remarks.
The community forum, called “Keeping it Safe,” will include discussions about the risks associated with underage drinking, social host liability laws, how to protect your teen from underage drinking, house parties and community resources. A question and answer session will follow the discussions.
This national initiative is being spearheaded by multiple federal agencies under the direction of the Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking, the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration and the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention.
The forum is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are requested, but not required.
For more information, please call Maryland International Corridor CSAFE at 301-439-0972 or e-mail Gretchen Hilburger at GretchenH@takomagov.org.
On October 7, 2008, at approximately 1:24 a.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 7-11 in the 1300 block of University Blvd. for reports of an armed robbery. The victim advised that an unknown black male entered the store and proceeded around the front counter and up to the cash register. The suspect had his hand placed under his clothing implying a weapon. The suspect demanded that the victim open the cash register, to which he complied. The suspect removed property and fled the store on foot through the front doors heading westbound. The victim was not injured. The suspect is described as a black male, dark complexion, in his early 30’s, approximately 5’8 – 5’10, heavy set weighing approximately 200 pounds, and wearing a white t-shirt, blue jeans, and a dark colored (possibly dark blue) bandana around his neck (which he used to pull up over his mouth and nose while in the store). Investigation continues under case #08059575. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.
On October 7, 2008, Takoma Park Police responded to a residence on Winding Mill Way for reports of a burglary that had occurred earlier. The victim left her residence on October 6 at approximately 9:00 a.m. and returned on October 7 at approximately 10:00 a.m. Upon entry, the victim found her home had been burglarized. Property was taken from the residence. Point of entry was a rear basement window that had been smashed out. Investigation continues under case #08059571. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.
To help members prevent seasonal losses, Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) has provided the following tips on how to prevent or reduce losses from the types of causes that trends show to be the most frequent or severe. One of LGIT's September-December seasonal articles concerns "Avoiding Deer Collisions.”
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that last year there were over 1.5 million deer-to-vehicle collisions which equaled a total of $1.1 billion in physical damages and 180 human deaths. Annually for LGIT there are 170 claims of this type totaling nearly $300,000 in damages. Often the vehicles involved in this type of collision are driven by law enforcement personnel. Fortunately, there are some simple things all of us can do while driving to avoid or prevent a collision with a deer.
Stay alert! The best way to spot a deer is to look for movement on the side of the road. Most often, deer are seen at dawn and dusk. When driving conditions allow, travel with your vehicle's high beams on to look for reflection from the deer's eyes. Remember that deer frequently travel in herds; missing one deer doesn't mean that another isn't nearby. The most likely time of the year to strike a deer is during the hunting or mating season, between October and December.
If you are faced with a deer collision, there are a few important points to remember. The most important is to turn your vehicle to the right and not to the left. If you must pull out of your lane to avoid a collision, turn your vehicle to the right as far as needed, off the road if necessary. Never pull into the opposite lane, as this could lead to a head-on collision with another vehicle, which is likely to be worse than hitting the deer itself. Remember to travel at a speed that is appropriate to the area and the conditions; the slower you are traveling, the more time and options you have. If you must leave the road, do so by simply guiding the car off the road, avoiding sudden and forceful actions. If possible, try to gently guide the car back onto the road. Slamming on the gas or the brakes when turning off or back onto the road can be more dangerous than simply guiding the car where you intend for it to go. Always watch where you are going instead of watching the animal, because that might cause you to steer towards the deer. If you must hit something when you turn off the road, try to hit it off center of the vehicle with a glancing blow; every inch off center will greatly decrease the amount of damage and the potential for driver and passenger injury.
If a collision with a deer cannot be avoided and the deer is struck, there are a few simple guidelines to follow. Immediately inspect the damage to the vehicle and, if possible, move the vehicle off the road. Make sure your hazard lights are on. If the vehicle is immobile, make sure to set up the correct traffic devices such as fluorescent triangles or flares. Never attempt to touch or move the deer. Remember that deer are wild animals that carry diseases, and when injured, are likely to try and defend themselves.
If you must travel through areas known to have a large deer population, slow down, stay alert and stay safe!
The following shows how to best minimize damages:
Techniques to Avoid Deer Collisions:
1. Travel at the posted speed limit.
2. Stay alert.
3. Be aware of posted deer crossings and where forested or agricultural areas meet the roadway.
4. Use simple scanning techniques while driving, looking at both sides of the road, keeping your eyes moving.
5. Look for deer especially at dawn and dusk and the hours shortly before and after dawn and dusk.
If you strike a deer:
1. Move the vehicle to a safe location off the road.
2. Make sure your hazard lights are on.
3. Inspect the vehicle for damage.
4. Put out flares or reflective warning devices to warn other drivers of your damaged vehicle.
5. Make note of important information for your insurer.
6. Report the event as soon as possible.