Police Bulletins

COMMUNITY INFORMATION - Seasonal Alert: Avoiding Deer Collisions

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.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY - CORRECTION Attempted Robbery of Citizen

On September 29, 2008, at approximately 9:26 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 7500 block of Alfred Drive for reports of an attempted robbery of a citizen. The victim was walking on Alfred Drive when a small truck (possibly a Ford Escape**), black or green in color, pulled up near him and stopped. The suspect (passenger of the vehicle) exited the vehicle and demanded money from the victim. The victim fled to a residence nearby. The suspect at first chased him, but then turned back to the vehicle, occupied by two black males, and fled the scene, traveling down Alfred Drive, making a right turn on to Boston Avenue. The victim was not injured and no property was taken. The suspect is described as a black male, skinny build, wearing a black t-shirt, black pants and white bandana around his neck. Investigation continues under case #08058041. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.

** The vehicle was possibly a Ford Escape not Focus.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY - Strong Armed Robbery of a Citizen

On September 29, 2008, at approximately 9:50 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 7900 block of Kennewick Avenue for reports of a citizen strong armed robbery. The victim was exiting his residence when he was approached by two suspects. The suspects took the victim to a poorly lit area, approximately 10 feet from his residence, and took property. The suspects then fled on foot down Kennewick Avenue towards Kirklynn Avenue. Montgomery County arrived with K-9 and began tracking for the suspects with negative results. The victim was not injured. The first suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6�0, 180 pounds, 20-23 years old, wearing a black t-shirt and jeans. The second suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5�10, 170 pounds, 20-23 years old, wearing a black t-shirt with red and white writing, and black jeans. Investigation continues under case #08058045. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY - Attempted Robbery of Citizen

On September 29, 2008, at approximately 9:26 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 7500 block of Alfred Drive for reports of an attempted robbery of a citizen. The victim was walking on Alfred Drive when a small truck (possibly a Ford Focus), black or green in color, pulled up near him and stopped. The suspect (passenger of the vehicle) exited the vehicle and demanded money from the victim. The victim fled to a residence nearby. The suspect at first chased him, but then turned back to the vehicle, occupied by two black males, and fled the scene, traveling down Alfred Drive, making a right turn on to Boston Avenue. The victim was not injured and no property was taken. The suspect is described as a black male, skinny build, wearing a black t-shirt, black pants and white bandana around his neck. Investigation continues under case #08058041. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.

NEWS RELEASE-Arrest Made for Possession of Marijuana and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

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

September 25, 2008 (4:15 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chief Ronald A. Ricucci from the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of Wade Thomas Eichner, 21, of Rockville, Maryland.

On September 24, 2008, at approximately 5:59 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the area of Westmoreland Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland, for the report of two vehicles racing. Upon officers� arrival, the vehicles were parked in the 6500 block of Westmoreland Avenue. A witness recalled seeing two juveniles exit the vehicles and walk into the wooded area just off of Westmoreland Avenue. A check of the area found Eichner in the company of two 17 year old minors and in possession of marijuana. One of the minors was also in possession of marijuana. A consent search of Eichner�s vehicle revealed CDS paraphernalia.

One of the juveniles was charged with possession of CDS marijuana and the other was charged with possession of CDS marijuana and three counts of possession of CDS paraphernalia. Both juveniles were released to the custody of their parents. Eichner was charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance (CDS) marijuana, two counts of possession of CDS paraphernalia, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit for an appearance before a District Court Commissioner.

Weekly Crime Summary: September 18-25, 2008

T1 Beat:

Larceny � From Auto
6400 block of Eastern Avenue, between Sunday, September 21 at 11:30 p.m. and Monday, September 22 at 3:30 a.m. Property taken. No forced entry.

7900 block of Takoma Avenue, between Tuesday, September 23 at 8:40 p.m. and Wednesday, September 24 at 12:05 a.m. Property taken. Forced entry.

T2 Beat:

No reported incidents.

T3 Beat:

Larceny
1100 block of University Boulevard, Saturday, September 20 between 8:00 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. Unknown subject(s) stole two unattended bicycles in front of Safeway.

Larceny � From Auto
500 block of Elm Avenue, between Friday, September 19 at 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 20 at 8:00 a.m. Property taken. Forced entry.

Arrests:
On Saturday, September 20 at 3:29 a.m. in the 7100 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence.

On Saturday, September 20 at 4:42 a.m. in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana.

On Saturday, September 20 at 9:50 a.m. in the 6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct.

On Sunday, September 21 at 1:26 a.m. in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence.

On Sunday, September 21 at 4:01 a.m. in the 900 block of Merrimac Drive, an adult male was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence.

On Monday, September 22 at 12:21 a.m. in the 7800 block of Wildwood Drive, an adult male was arrested and charged with 4th Degree Burglary and Trespassing.

On Tuesday, September 23 at 11:05 p.m. in the 6300 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with 4th Degree Burglary � Possession of Burglary Tools and Disorderly Conduct.

On Wednesday, September 24 at 11:34 p.m. in the 1000 block of University Boulevard, an adult male was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana.

On Thursday, September 25 at 12:58 a.m. in the 900 block of Merrimac Drive, an adult male was arrested and charged with 1st Degree Assault, 2nd Degree Assault, Theft Under, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY - Armed Robbery (Weapon Brandished)

On September 18, 2008, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Montgomery County Police responded to the 9900 block of East Light Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland, for reports of an Armed Robbery/Kidnapping that had occurred earlier at the Chevy Chase ATM in the 1100 block of University Blvd. East in Takoma Park, Maryland. Takoma Park Police were notified and responded to the scene. The victim had attempted to use the ATM when he was approached by a suspect yielding a folding-type knife and gun. A second female suspect appeared at which time the first suspect ordered the victim to drive his vehicle while the first suspect sat in the rear seat and the second female suspect sat in the front passenger seat. The suspects ordered him to drive to the 9900 block of East Light Drive. The victim was then ordered from the vehicle. The suspects then fled on foot in an unknown direction. Property was taken. The victim was not injured. The victim�s car was taken into custody for processing. The first suspect is described as a white male, fair complexion, short black hair, approximately 18 years old, 5�5, 130 pounds, last seen wearing tan shorts, and a white tank top. The second suspect is described as a white female, approximately 18 years old, 5�8, 200 pounds, light brown complexion, long brown hair, last seen wearing a black The North Face jacket, blue jeans, and large round earrings. Investigation continues under case #08055764. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.

Weekly Crime Summary: September 11-18, 2008

T1 Beat:

Robbery
An armed robbery occurred in the 7600 block of Fenton Street, Wednesday, September 17 at 10:00 p.m. The victim was walking across the Montgomery College foot bridge toward Fenton Street when two suspects approached him. Suspect 2 brandished a silver handgun and demanded the victim�s property. The victim complied, then the suspects fled across the foot bridge to the other side of campus. S1: B/M, dark complexion, approximately 6�0�, 180 pounds, braids, wearing dark jeans, white t-shirt and carrying a red backpack. S2: B/M, dark complexion, approximately 5�8�, 150 pounds, very short hair, wearing blue jeans, green shirt, and carrying a black or dark backpack. Armed with silver handgun.

Burglary (Nonresidential)
7600 block of Takoma Avenue, Montgomery College, Friday, September 12 between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Forced entry. No property taken.

Stolen Vehicle
�97 Honda Civic 6700 blk Poplar Ave
Sat, 9/13, 7:00 p.m. � Sun, 9/14, 9:00 a.m.

T2 Beat:

Robbery
An armed robbery occurred in the 7500 block of Carroll Avenue, Monday, September 15 at 11:18 p.m. Two B/M�s approached the victim as he walked from the Metro. Suspect 1 displayed a black handgun and demanded the victim�s property. The suspects took property from the victim then fled on foot. S1: B/M, 6�0�-6�2�, black bushy hair in pony tail, light complexion, thin build, wearing dark baggy jeans and light t-shirt. S2: B/M.

An armed robbery occurred in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, Tuesday, September 16 at 10:00 p.m. The victim was entering her residence when the suspect brandished what appeared to be a black machine gun and demanded property. The suspect startled the victim, assaulted her, then took property and fled. The suspect left the weapon at the scene, was retrieved by investigating officers, and determined to be a toy. Suspect: B/M, approximately 5�6�-5�8�, medium build, medium complexion, possible thin beard/mustache, wearing black t-shirt and dark pants.

Burglary � Residential
7500 block of Maple Avenue, between Thursday, September 11 at 4:45 p.m. and Friday, September 12 at 8:30 a.m. Attempted forced entry. No property taken.

8200 block of Flower Avenue, Monday, September 15 between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Attempted forced entry. No property taken.

Larceny
7100 block of Carroll Avenue, Monday, September 15 at 12:02 a.m. Suspect removed campaign sign from victim�s fence and rode away on bicycle. Victim and neighbors indicated that numerous campaign signs have been stolen/removed from property over past two weeks. Suspect: W/M, 5�8�-5�10�, 150-165 pounds, medium build.

Stolen Vehicle
�94 Honda Civic 7300 blk Carroll Ave
Thur, 9/11, 10:00 a.m. � Sun, 9/14, 4:47 p.m.

T3 Beat:

Burglary � Residential
7800 block of Kennewick Avenue, Tuesday, September 16 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Forced entry. Property taken.

Larceny � From Auto
1200 block of Myrtle Avenue, Sunday, September 14 between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Hubcaps stolen from vehicle.

Arrests:
On Friday, September 12 at 1:12 a.m. in the 1300 block of University Boulevard, an adult male was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On Saturday, September 13 at 7:34 a.m. in the 400 block of Boston Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open warrant for Failure to Appear � Theft.

On Saturday, September 13 at 3:30 p.m. in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult female was arrested and charged on an open felony warrant for Failure to Appear � Embezzlement through Leesburg, VA Police Department.

On Saturday, September 13 at 10:47 p.m. in the 7600 Carroll Avenue, an adult male and a juvenile male were arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct.

On Wednesday, September 17 at 4:06 a.m. in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, a juvenile female was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana.

On Wednesday, September 17 at 7:15 a.m. in the 600 block of Houston Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Assault.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY - Armed Robbery (Weapon Brandished)

On September 17, 2008, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to Fenton Street near Montgomery College for reports of a citizen armed robbery. The victim was walking across the foot bridge ramp and was approaching the bend leading down to Fenton Street when two suspects approached him, one with a silver handgun. They demanded property, to which the victim complied. The suspects fled across the foot bridge over to the other side of the campus. The first suspect is described as a black male, dark complexion, approximately 6�0, 180 pounds, braids, wearing dark jeans, white t-shirt and carrying a red backpack. The second suspect is described as a black male, dark complexion, approximately 5�8, 150 pounds, very short haircut, wearing blue jeans, a green shirt, carrying a black or dark backpack and was armed with the silver handgun. The victim was not injured. Investigation continues under case #08055547. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION - Burglary

On September 16, 2008, at approximately 4:28 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 7800 block of Kennewick Avenue for reports of a burglary that had occurred earlier in the day. The victim indicated she had left the residence at approximately 10:00 a.m., and upon her return at around 4:20 p.m., she noticed that the window and door to her roommate�s bedroom had been left ajar which was unusual. Property was missing and her belongings had been strewn around. Investigation continues under case #08055198. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY - Armed Robbery

On September 16, 2008, at approximately 10:08 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 7500 block of Maple Avenue for reports of a citizen armed robbery. The victim was entering her residence when the suspect brandished what appeared to be a black machine gun and demanded property. Having startled the victim, she refused to comply and the suspect assaulted her and then fled taking property. The suspected weapon had been left at the scene by the suspect and was retrieved by investigating officers and determined to be a toy. Pfc. Atwell arrived with his K-9 partner and began tracking for the suspect with negative results. The suspect is described as a black male, unknown age, wearing a black baseball-type cap, approximately 5�6-5�8, medium build, medium complexion, black t-shirt, dark pants, and possibly a thin beard and mustache. The victim was not seriously injured. Investigation continues under case #08055315. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION - Governor's Community Crime Prevention Summit

Receive training and technical assistance for your public safety strategies, meet community leaders that share your goals, acknowledge the hard work you and your law enforcement partners do to create strong, sustainable communities, and make plans for the future. One hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) in competitive grant funding will be released for community crime prevention projects through the Governor's Office of Crime Control & Prevention (GOCCP). Eligible applicants should be 501(c) organizations that demonstrate a working relationship with their local law enforcement agencies. A grant program technical assistance session will be held at the summit.

GOCCP is accepting nominations from community organizations to honor law enforcement officers who exhibit outstanding service to your communities. Selected nominees will be honored at the summit luncheon ceremony.

Online Registration go to http://www.goccp.org/events/crime-summit-2008.php

For more information, visit GOCCP or call Virginia Geckler at 410-821-2855.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY - Armed Robbery (Weapon Brandished)

On September 15, 2008, at approximately 11:26 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 7500 block of Carroll Avenue for reports of a citizen armed robbery. The victim was walking from Metro when he was approached by two black males, one with a handgun. The suspects took property from the victim and then fled on foot up Carroll Avenue. Pfc. Atwell arrived with his K-9 partner and began tracking for the suspects. The K-9 track ended at the 7600 block of Maple Avenue with negative results. The first suspect is described as a black male, 6�0-6�2, black bushy hair in a pony-tail, light complexion, dark baggy jeans, light t-shirt, thin build and right-handed (armed). The second suspect is described as a black male. The victim was not injured. Investigation continues under case #08055088. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION - WSSC Construction on Sligo Creek Parkway

WSSC is replacing .3 miles of water mains between Jackson and Heather, as well as two sewer mains. The contract is for 180 days, but WSSC has committed to only closing the Parkway for 90 days. The project should be completed by January 2009. For the 90 day period, the Parkway will be totally closed to thru-traffic. Access for the residents and vehicles servicing the residents is available. Residents who reside on Cherry, Colby, Aspen Avenue, Aspen Court and Hayward will have complete access to their homes, as will delivery vehicles and school buses.

The detour routes for traffic from the Parkway are as follows:

Westbound traffic is directed to follow New Hampshire Avenue south to westbound Ethan Allen Avenue/Philadelphia/East-West Highway. Signage directs traffic to northbound Maple Avenue a half mile back to Sligo Creek Parkway.

Eastbound traffic is directed to follow Maple Avenue south to Philadelphia Avenue then east on Philadelphia to Ethan Allen Avenue. Take Ethan Allen Avenue east to New Hampshire Avenue. (Sligo Creek Parkway ends eastbound at New Hampshire Avenue).

The hiker/biker trail access is always open. There may be some temporary impact where the trail actually meets Sligo between Jackson and Flower.

If you have any problems or questions relating to this construction, please contact the WSSC Communications Office at 301.206.8100.

NEWS RELEASE - Takoma Park Police to Host Community Forum on Underage Drinking

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

September 11, 2008 (3:20 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.