Police Bulletins

COMMUNITY ADVISORY - Crackdown on Felony Fugitives in Maryland

Chief Ronald A. Ricucci of the Takoma Park Police Department announced today that the four officers assigned to the Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) participated in Operation Falcon (June 22 - 26, 2009) - a crackdown on Felony Fugitives in Maryland, which was part of the U.S. Marshals Service. We participated with Montgomery County Police, Montgomery County Sheriff, Prince George�s County Police, Anne Arundel County Police, Howard County Police, Parole and Probation and Metropolitan Police. This task force targeted felony fugitives with warrants. These suspected criminals commit crimes in all jurisdictions and know no boundaries. In all, 170 suspects were arrested and 212 arrest warrants were served. This operation, which directly impacts our City, has been deemed a success!

NEWS RELEASE - Arrest Made in Residential Burglary

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

July 2, 2009 (3:44 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chief Ronald A. Ricucci of the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest, by Metropolitan Police, of Arnold Hakim, 33, of Washington, D.C., for 1st degree burglary, theft over and destruction of property.

On June 29, 2009, at approximately 1:07 p.m., a Takoma Park Police officer was conducting a routine patrol along Hickory Avenue. As he was passing one of the residences, he noticed a male subject carrying property from a residence while wearing white gloves. The officer made eye contact with the subject and continued driving down Hickory Avenue. The behavior was suspicious enough that warranted the officer stopping his cruiser at the corner of Hickory and Montgomery Avenue to check the tag number on the vehicle he saw the subject get into. While doing so, the officer observed the subject flee in the vehicle at a high rate of speed. The officer began to follow the subject, however, the subject was able to escape the area. The officer returned to the residence on Hickory Avenue and verified that a burglary had in fact just occurred. Contact was made with the residential owner, and a search of the victim�s residence revealed that property had been taken. Entry was made through a right side lower window, which was pried open.

During a neighborhood canvass, a Takoma Park Police detective discovered an open door to another residence on Montgomery Avenue. The rear of the residence was located to the right of the residence on Hickory Avenue which had also been burglarized. Through investigation, the detective found that entry to this residence was made by forcing open a lower rear window. After contacting the victim�s of this residence, it was determined that property was also taken.

The tag number originally taken down by the responding officer on Hickory Avenue led him to Arnold Hakim of Washington, D.C. The officer, having made earlier eye/face contact with the subject, was able to identify Hakim as the subject he observed carrying property out of the residence on Hickory Avenue.

Hakim is being held in the District of Columbia and will be extradited back to Montgomery County to face charges.

NEWS RELEASE - UPDATE Juveniles Arrested for Armed Robbery

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

July 2, 2009 (3:15 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

UPDATE: Through investigation, one of the juveniles responsible for the below referenced armed robbery, who is currently being held at the Department of Juvenile Services Detention Center, has also been linked and charged with the armed robbery of Joo Lee Cleaners on June 9, 2009, as well as another robbery in Montgomery County.

Chief Ronald A. Ricucci from the Takoma Park Police Department announced the arrests of two juveniles, both from Washington, D.C., for the armed robbery of the Banner Cleaners on June 13, 2009. Both juveniles were charged with various offenses, including armed robbery, robbery, first degree assault, second degree assault, theft under $500, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit first degree assault.

On June 13, 2009, at approximately 9:00 a.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue (Banner Cleaners) for reports of a robbery that had just occurred. Detectives from the Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) and Criminal Investigations Division (CID) were on the scene and assisted the patrol units with the investigation. Through investigative efforts, and working with outside agencies, the detectives were able to ascertain the location of the suspects. Detectives met with members of the Metropolitan Police Department, who provided a great deal of assistance with marked patrol units, plainclothes officers and their air unit. The investigation led detectives to the 3700 block of 10th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., which is a recreation park. Surveillance was established and the suspects as described by the victim were observed in the park. Both suspects were apprehended. They were in possession of property that belonged to the victim and her business.

Both suspects were transported to the D.C. Youth Division and arrest warrants were obtained charging both with the above referenced charges.

Chief Ricucci is proud of both his TEU and CID units, and the patrol officers, for their outstanding follow through and determination to bring closure to this crime for this business owner. The patrol units who were first on the scene were able to ascertain valuable information and provide great assistance to the detectives. This entire investigation was a joint effort between the police department, the victim�s great assistance with the description of the suspects, as well as the assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department. The working relationship between multi-jurisdictional police departments continues to be an invaluable tool.

Weekly Crime Report: June 25 - July 2, 2009

T1 Beat:

Robbery
An attempt armed robbery occurred Tuesday, June 30 at 11:10 p.m. in the 7200 block of Carroll Avenue. Victim was walking home from the Takoma Metro when approached by a black, 4-door sedan, possibly a Ford Crown Victoria. The front passenger exited the vehicle holding an object, but the victim could not confirm it was a weapon. The suspect demanded the victim�s property and the victim ran. Suspect: B/M, 5�8, 18-25 years old, dreads, wearing a white tank top and grey capri pants.

Burglary � Residential
Three residential burglaries occurred on Monday, June 29 between 11:27 a.m. and 1:07 p.m.: 7100 block of Cedar Avenue, Unit block of Hickory Avenue, Unit block of Montgomery Avenue. No forced entry and property taken in all three incidents. Potential suspect for Hickory Avenue and Montgomery Avenue identified.

Larceny � From Auto
7400 block of Boston Avenue, between Tuesday, June 30 at 12:01 a.m. and Wednesday, July 1 at 8:00 a.m. Forced entry. Property taken.

T2 Beat:

Larceny � From Auto
400 block of Mississippi Avenue, Saturday, June 27 between 1:45 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Forced entry. Property taken.

Auto Theft
8000 block of Sligo Creek Parkway, Friday, June 26 between 3:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. �07 Toyota Matrix

7300 block of Garland Avenue, between Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 28 at 8:24 a.m. �02 Mercury Villager

T3 Beat:

Burglary � Residential
7500 block of Jackson Avenue, Monday, June 29 at approximately 5:38 p.m. Forced entry. Property taken.

Larceny � From Auto
7200 block of 13th Avenue, between Wednesday, June 17 at 12:00 a.m. and Friday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m. No forced entry. Property taken.

500 block of Lincoln Avenue, Monday, June 29 at approximately 12:20 a.m. Attempt forced entry. No property taken.

Arrests:
On Friday, June 26 at 9:51 p.m. in the 7800 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence.

On Saturday, June 27 at 9:50 p.m. in the 8600 block of Flower Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Drinking in Public and Loitering.

On Sunday, June 28 at 10:17 a.m. in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue, three adult males were arrested and charged with Drinking in Public.

On Monday, June 29 at 3:05 a.m. in the 1300 block of Holton Lane, an adult male was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence.

On Tuesday, June 20 at 5:01 p.m. in the 600 block of Houston Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with 1st and 2nd Degree Assault, as well as Intent/Injure with Dangerous Weapon.

On Thursday, July 2 at 2:40 a.m. in the 7800 block of Lockney Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with 1st and 2nd Degree Assault, False Imprisonment, Reckless Endangerment, Theft Under $500, Disorderly Conduct, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

NEWS RELEASE - Arrest Made for 1st and 2nd Degree Assault; Other Offenses

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

July 2, 2009 (12:55 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chief Ronald A. Ricucci from the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of Donald Murtie, 50, of Takoma Park, Maryland, for 1st and 2nd degree assault, false imprisonment, wreckless endangerment, theft under $500, disorderly conduct, possession of paraphernalia and an open warrant through Rockville City Police for failure to appear for disorderly conduct.

On July 2, 2009, at approximately 2:07 a.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 7800 block of Lockney Avenue for reports of a fight coming from the first floor apartment. Upon arrival, officers heard a female screaming and a male voice yelling. The victim, who resides with Murtie, was assaulted by him. As the officers entered the apartment, they observed Murtie choking the victim putting her life in danger; she was having trouble breathing. The officers used physical force to force Murtie to release the victim and to place him under arrest. The actions by these officers most likely saved the victim's life. The victim was attended to by emergency personnel and released.

Murtie was arrested and transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit for an appearance before a District Court Commissioner.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY - Maryland Police Chiefs Geared Up for Impaired Driving Enforcement

Maryland Police Chiefs Geared Up For Impaired Driving Enforcement

Busy Summer Holiday Warrants Increased Enforcement Operations

July 4, 2009- With the first official holiday of the summer approaching, the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA) is pleased to join with the Maryland Highway Safety Office, along with state and local law enforcement agencies, to support Maryland�s initiative to reduce impaired driving fatalities. Nearly every police chief throughout the state has joined in the effort to decrease deaths and injuries caused by the reckless behavior of impaired drivers. Through increased and targeted drunk driving saturation patrols, and sobriety checkpoints throughout the Fourth of July weekend, agencies aim to arrest anyone who drives under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Alcohol continues to be a major factor in fatal crashes on the Fourth of July holiday. In 2007, 34 percent of all drivers involved in traffic-related crashes during the Fourth of July holiday had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Impaired driving during summer months, and especially on holidays, carries a higher frequency of alcohol-related crash fatalities. With the scorching summer temperatures comes a plethora of outdoor activities and celebrations, and too often people will test their freedoms and get behind the wheel.

Police chiefs and their respective agencies have devised a comprehensive approach in an effort to reduce impaired driving this Fourth of July weekend. Throughout the state of Maryland, drivers will witness an intensive amount of law enforcement officials initiating sobriety checkpoints and a less visible but highly effective enforcement strategy on increased patrols vehicles actively searching for drunk drivers in areas that have traditionally experienced high numbers of drunk driving arrests or crashes. Police chiefs stress the importance that whether you drive a car, truck or motorcycle, if you are caught driving impaired, there will be repercussions. Strict enforcement of impaired driving laws are necessary as alcohol-impaired-driving is one of America's most often committed and deadliest crimes. In 2007, 12,988 people were killed in the U.S. highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with an illegal BAC of .08 or higher - 32 percent of total traffic fatalities for the year.

�Police chiefs and their agencies throughout Maryland are looking forward to a successful Fourth of July campaign to target and apprehend impaired drivers,� said President of the MCPA and Chief of the Ocean City Police Department Bernadette DiPino. �Our law enforcement officers understand the importance of protecting the public on this busy holiday and will be working vigorously to apprehend and remove impaired drivers from Maryland roads.�

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Fourth of July holiday is one of the deadliest for alcohol-related car crashes. Statistics show that on average almost 51 percent of all fatal crashes on the Fourth of July are caused by impaired driving. There were 72 alcohol-related crashes in Maryland during the 2007 Fourth of July holiday period, and of those crashes, two were fatal. Any loss of life is completely unacceptable, particularly when these deaths are preventable. Law enforcement patrols will be working diligently to reduce these numbers, along with the number of impaired driving related-injury crashes, which totaled a staggering 24 for the Fourth of July holiday in 2007.

Contact: Chief Bernadette DiPino, President

Maryland Chiefs of Police Association

410-723-6601

###

The Maryland Chiefs of Police Association is an alliance of executive law enforcement officers from State, Local, and Federal Agencies dedicated to leading and supporting the efforts of police chiefs and sworn law enforcement executives in advancing the science and art of police services.

NEWS RELEASE - Attempted Car-Jacking and Armed Robbery

NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
● 7500 Maple Avenue● Takoma Park, Md20912

For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901

June 26, 2009 (9:42 a.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On June 24, 2009, at approximately 12:27 a.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 6900 block of Laurel Avenue at Eastern Avenue for reports of an attempted car-jacking and armed robbery. The victims became aware of a person who was hanging around the front of their business in a suspicious manner. While one of the victim�s watched this person, the second victim went to the rear of the business and exited through a rear door to her vehicle. As she approached her vehicle, three suspects, armed with handguns, demanded her property to which she complied. The victim then jumped into her vehicle and locked the doors. One of the suspects attempted to gain entry to the vehicle without success. The other victim exited the business and began yelling which caused the suspects to flee on foot. They were last seen near the 6800 block of Eastern Avenue.

There is very limited description for the suspects as follows:

Suspect 1: black male, last seen wearing an orange t-shirt and dark blue jeans.

Suspect 2: black male, last seen wearing a white baggy t-shirt and dark blue jeans.

Suspects 3 and 4: black males

There were no injuries to any of the victims.

Investigation continues under case #09034270. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY - Residential Burglary

On June 24, 2009, at approximately 12:57 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 1000 block of Jackson Avenue for reports of a residential burglary that had occurred earlier sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.. The victim arrived home to find his rear back door open. The rear glass door had been smashed and broken out with a brick. Property was taken. A K-9 track was conducted with negative results. There is no suspect information. Investigation continues under case #09034362. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.

Weekly Crime Report: June 18-25, 2009

T1 Beat:

Robbery
An armed robbery occurred in the 6900 block of Laurel Avenue, Pizza Movers, Wednesday, June 24 at 12:27 a.m. Victim advised that she was robbed at gun point by four B/M's as she exited the side door of her business. One of the suspects served as a lookout the victim indicated seeing earlier standing across the street on the DC side talking on a cell phone. As the victim walked to her vehicle three suspects approached with black handguns. The victim handed over her property then jumped into her vehicle and locked the door, at which point Suspect 1 attempted to force open the door. The victim's husband came out and yelled at the suspects. The suspects fled on foot through the rear parking lot of neighboring apartment buildings. Suspect 1: B/M, orange shirt, blue jeans. Suspect 2: B/M, wearing a white t-shirt, dark jeans, chubby. S3 & S4: B/M, no further description.

Larceny � From Auto
Two thefts from vehicles occurred in the 7500 block of Dundalk Road, Tuesday, June 23 between 1:30 a.m. and 6:04 a.m. Forced entry. Property taken.

T2 Beat:

No reported incidents.

T3 Beat:

Robbery
An armed robbery occurred Thursday, June 18 at 12:45 p.m. in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue, in front of the main door of the Citibank. One of the Brinks Armored truck employees had taken a delivery into the bank, exited and retrieved a second delivery from the truck when approached from behind by two suspects. Both suspects produced semi-automatic pistols and demanded the bag he was transporting. Suspect 2 made attempts to disarm the guard without success. The bag was taken by Suspect 2 who fled the scene while the Suspect 1 held the guard at gunpoint. Both suspects fled toward the rear alley of the businesses in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue. A canvass of the area revealed the suspects had removed the property from the bag and discarded the bag adjacent to the 1300 block of University Blvd. S1: B/M, 25-30, 5�9-6�0, 150 lbs., yellow bag, hat, dark brown sunglasses. S2: B/M, 25-30, 5�4-5�5, African accent.

An armed robbery occurred in the 6900 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Tuesday, June 23 at approximately 11:33 p.m. The victim was sitting inside a work vehicle with two of her co-workers when the first suspect began knocking on the door demanding that it be opened. The suspect was armed with a black semi-automatic handgun. The victim opened the door and the suspect demanded property, to which the victim complied. One of the co-workers, a second victim, who was standing outside the vehicle was assaulted by a second suspect and property was taken from his person. Two other suspects, armed with black handguns, remained at the rear of the vehicle. Another co-worker, a third victim, was exiting a business when the third suspect, armed with the handgun, ran towards her. The victim ran back into the business and locked the doors. The third and fourth suspects attempted to gain entry without success. All four suspects fled on foot. S1: B/M, dark complexion, 20-25 years of age, 6�0, 135-140 lbs., black hair cropped very short/crew cut, thin build, last seen wearing a white t-shirt and orange pants. S2: B/M, dark complexion, 20-25, 5�4 to 5�5, 130 lbs., black hair cropped very short/crew cut, thin build, last seen wearing a white t-shirt and black pants. S3: B/M, dark complexion, 20-25 years of age, 5�4 to 5�6, 130 lbs., black hair cropped very short/crew cut, thin build, last seen wearing a white tank top shirt, black pants and a black baseball style hat. S4: B/M, 20-25 years of age, 5�4 to 5�5, 130-140 lbs., last seen wearing a red t-shirt and black pants.

Larceny � From Auto
700 block of Sligo Creek Parkway, between Saturday, June 20 at 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 21 at 1:32 p.m. Forced entry. Property taken.

400 block of Circle Avenue, Thursday, June 18 between 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. No forced entry. Property taken.

Auto Theft
6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Thursday, June 18 between 8:00 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. �03 Jeep Liberty

Arrests:
On June 18, 2009 at 2:46 a.m. in the 500 block of New York Avenue, a juvenile male was arrested and charged with Destruction of Property.

NEWS RELEASE - Arrest of Juvenile for Destruction of Property

COMMUNITY ADVISORY - A Message from the Chief of Police on Thefts from Vehicles

Throughout the month of June, the City of Takoma Park has experienced an increase in thefts from vehicles. Between Wednesday June 10 and Tuesday June 23, 11 thefts from vehicles occurred. All incidents took place overnight between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The break-in and thefts occurred in the following areas:

7000 block of Westmoreland Avenue
6500 block of Second Avenue
300 block of Tulip Avenue
500 and 600 blocks of Elm Avenue
400 block of Lincoln Avenue
900 block of Larch Avenue
400 block of Circle Avenue
700 block of Sligo Creek Parkway
7600 block of Dundalk Avenue

To obtain entry, suspect(s) broke a vehicle window in five cases, pried a door lock in two cases and opened an unlocked door in four cases. Targeted property included car stereos, CD players, cash and GPS devices. Most recent thefts involved a stolen air bag and theft of a handgun. Five of the 11 vehicles were Honda products.

There is suspect and suspect vehicle information for these thefts as follows:

- Two black males, mid-30�s, wearing black skull caps and driving a red Mazda with spoiler and tinted windows.

- Unknown subjects driving a Gold or Silver Honda bearing Tag number 5EMP69 (stolen through Prince George�s County).

The Chief has placed extra patrols in the areas and is working closely with Montgomery County and Prince George�s County police on these thefts.

Detective Mary Jo Mitchell is the detective assigned to these cases. Should you have information, please contact Detective Mitchell at 301.891.7111 or you can call the Takoma Park Police Department at 301.270.1100.

Below are safety tips to take into consideration:

If you leave valuables in your vehicle, will they be there when you return? If they can see it, they can steal it. So, secure it!

Theft from auto can occur at any time, from any vehicle. Often, valuables left in a car are taken during the night, but daytime thefts can occur on busy streets, with nobody reporting any suspicious behavior.

What Property Is Stolen? The following items, although not all-inclusive, should be taken into your home, or you risk them being taken by thieves: cellular phones, money, purse, wallet, briefcases, CDs, iPods, portable GPS systems, laptop computers and sports equipment. Auto parts are also taken, including a vehicle�s license plate.

How? Method of entry varies too. Unlocked cars with valuables in easy reach are as common as a window or door lock broken to gain entry.

Deterrents:

Vehicle Theft: Many auto parts stores sell steering wheel locks which are inexpensive; these are a major deterrent to vehicle theft.

For License Plate Theft: a unique screw, which requires a special tool to release the license plate, is available from auto parts stores. The cost can be as low as $4.

What you can do:

Lock doors and close windows completely.
Remove valuables from the vehicle or lock them in the trunk where they are out of sight.
Do not leave electronic devices or accessories visible. (A cigarette lighter plug or cassette adapter are tell-tale signs of valuables in the car. Replace the lighter when exiting the vehicle.)
Do not leave money in the car.
Park in your garage, if you have one, or in a well-lit area.
Install "tapered" door lock or an anti-theft device that has a visible indicator.

Aid to Recovery: Some valuables can't be taken out of the vehicle, such as a stereo or speakers. When installing custom sound equipment, record the serial numbers and/or engrave your driver's license on the items before installation. If stolen, those numbers could make a difference in locating and recovering the property, and prosecuting the thieves.

If you see suspicious activity, on the street or in a parking lot, or to report any theft from your vehicle, please call Takoma Park Police at 301/270-1100.

NEWS RELEASE - Armed Robbery

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

June 24, 2009 (10:42 a.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On June 23, 2009, at approximately 11:33 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to a parking lot in the 6900 block of New Hampshire Avenue for reports of an armed robbery. The victim was sitting inside a work vehicle with two of her co-workers when the first suspect began knocking on the right side door demanding that it be opened. The suspect was armed with a black semi-automatic handgun. The victim opened the door and the suspect demanded property, to which the victim complied. One of the co-workers, a second victim, who was standing outside the vehicle was assaulted by a second suspect and property was taken from his person. Two other suspects, armed with black handguns, remained at the rear of the vehicle.

Another co-worker, a third victim, was exiting a business when the third suspect, armed with the handgun, ran towards her. The victim ran back into the business and locked the doors. The third and fourth suspects attempted to gain entry without success.

All four suspects then fled on foot down Auburn Avenue towards Elm Avenue. A K-9 search was conducted with negative results.

The suspects are described as:

Suspect 1: black male, dark complexion, approximately 20-25 years of age, approximately 6�0 and 135-140 pounds, black hair cropped very short/crew cut, thin build, last seen wearing a white t-shirt and orange pants.

Suspect 2: black male, dark complexion, approximately 20-25 years of age, approximately 5�4 to 5�5 and 130 pounds, black hair cropped very short/crew cut, thin build, last seen wearing a white t-shirt and black pants.

Suspect 3: black male, dark complexion, approximately 20-25 years of age, approximately 5�4 to 5�6 and 130 pounds, black hair cropped very short/crew cut, thin build, last seen wearing a white tank top shirt, black pants and a black baseball style hat.

Suspect 4: black male, approximately 20-25 years of age, approximately 5�4 to 5�5 and 130-140 pounds, last seen wearing a red t-shirt and black pants.

There were no major injuries to any of the victims.

Investigation continues under case #09034266. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY � Reminder to Re-new Parking Permits

The City of Takoma Park requires that you re-new your parking permits prior to July 1 every year. There is no grace period and tickets will be written for expired permits after June 30.

To ease the process and to encourage early registration, the Police Department offers permits by mail, as well as in-person purchasing. Residents should complete the form that can be found in the 2009 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter, or the form can be downloaded and printed from the Takoma Park Police Department web site. Go to www.takomaparkmd.gov/police/documents/permitap.pdf.

� Permits by mail are for residences only, with a $1 charge for mailing and handling.

� In-person purchasing is required for businesses and for Area B permits.

� Residents should complete the form/application and return it, with payment, to the Police Department. Photocopies of the current vehicle registration card for each vehicle and a driver�s license for at least one owner must be submitted with this form. Attachments must show a current Takoma Park address in the requested permit area. Include day and evening phone numbers in case any questions arise in processing.

� A decal and year sticker for each registered vehicle will be mailed back within three business days of receipt. Two visitor parking permits will be included for each address.

� Businesses in the permit areas should submit the names of employees on company letterhead with their request. Not more than three employees� permits are allowed. A home-based business must show evidence of a currently-operated business, which is
current on payment of personal property taxes.

� A 50 percent discount is offered to hybrid or all-electric vehicles.

� Nine Area B permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis to residents living more than .75 miles from the Takoma Metro station. Call for date applications are accepted.

� Questions regarding permit parking can be answered at 301/891-7102, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE - UPDATE Major Metro Collision on the Red Line near Takoma Park

DC has changed the number to its call line for families and concerned citizens for Metro Accident information to 202-737-4404. Please do not use the number previously given and do not go to the accident scene.

At approximately 5:05 p.m. there was a major metro collision on the red line near the Takoma Park metro station between Takoma Park and Fort Totten. Metro is busing passengers around the incident and they are asking people to take alternate transportation if possible between Fort Totten and Takoma Park. There have been major injuries and one confirmed fatality. Metro Police, District of Columbia Police and Rescue are on the scene. Please turn on your television or radio for further information.

NEWS RELEASE - UPDATE Major Metro Collision on the Red Line near Takoma Park

There has been confirmation by General Manager John Catoe of Metro Transit Authority that 70 passengers of the metro train have been transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries, 40 with more serious injuries but still non-life threatening, two life-threatening injuries and four fatalities, including the metro transit driver.

DC has opened a call line for families and concerned citizens - 202.727.9099. Please do not go to the accident scene.

Metro transit reports road closures as follows:

New Hampshire Avenue north and south bound

North Capitol Street in both directions

Eastern Avenue N.W. in both directions

South Dakota Avenue North bound closed

Nicholson Street N.E. completely closed

CSX Police has advised that the CSX Trains have been shut down in both directions near the incident. Further information to follow.