http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ Takoma Park Police bulletin posts. en-us cathyp@takomagov.org 2009-11-17T13:20:20-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002054.html 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 November 17, 2009 (1:20 p.m.) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Takoma Park has been selected as a National Award Winner for its outstanding participation in the “26th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime, drug and violence prevention program. The National Association of Town Watch, who sponsors this event, will be bestowing a special award recognizing Takoma Park’s achievements in the NNO 2009 campaign. National Night Out 2009 involved 36.7 million people in 14,625 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide. National Night Out would not have been made possible without the help and support of our elected officials, department heads, police officers, employees, apartment managers, other police departments, volunteers, citizens, local businesses, and Emergency Response Teams. All these groups volunteered their time and services in order to make Takoma Park’s National Night Out an immensely successful event. The success of any police department is contingent upon the involvement of the community and National Night Out provides us with the reminder that the police alone cannot be the sole providers of safety and security in a community. Citizen involvement and participation is instrumental in addressing crime and crime prevention in communities. National Night Out is a time for us to reinforce our commitment to strengthening police community partnerships. 2054@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-17T13:20:20-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002053.html 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 November 17, 2009 (12:45 p.m.) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Information received from WSSC indicates that paving work will begin this evening after 7:30 pm. The area that will be paved first will be on Carroll Avenue from Westmoreland Avenue to Philadelphia Avenue. Once that area is completed they will pave between Philadelphia Avenue and Lee Avenue. The contractor is expecting the paving to take six hours, so they anticipate completing the paving by 1:30 or 2:00 am on Wednesday morning. 2053@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-17T12:47:23-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002045.html As a result of the rain today and rain predicted for Friday, WSSC's contractor has requested and received permission from the State Highway Administration to continue milling this weekend. The work area will be on Carroll Avenue from Lee Avenue to Westmoreland Avenue. Once milling is completed, the contractor will repair the road base and then resurface the road. WSSC had previously indicated that the contractor would be working at night, but so far they have not scheduled any night time work. 2045@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-12T14:43:50-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002044.html 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 November 10, 2009 (10:10 p.m.) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chief Ronald A. Ricucci from the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of Tevin Michael Montgomery, 18, of the District of Columbia, for armed robbery. On November 10, 2009, at approximately 4:50 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to Takoma Avenue and Buffalo Avenue for reports of an armed robbery. The victim was walking west on Takoma Avenue on the bike path when he was approached by two subjects. One of the subjects was in possession of a knife and the other was in possession of a handgun. The subjects demanded property, the victim complied and the subjects fled from the scene. The victim was unharmed. A K-9 track was conducted by Takoma Park Police which led down Takoma Avenue towards the Metro. During the K-9 track, property was recovered, including a knife. The K-9 track continued to Dahlia Street, N.W. at Piney Branch Road, NW., Washington, D.C., where five subjects were located and stopped based on the description given to police. It should be noted that during this time, the subjects also matched the description of subjects wanted for armed robberies in Montgomery County and the District of Columbia. Montgomery is currently being held at the Department of Corrections in the District of Columbia pending a fugitive from justice warrant from Takoma Park and Montgomery County for the armed robberies in those jurisdictions. The other subjects are being held for robberies in Montgomery County and the District of Columbia. This is another great example of multi-jurisdictional cooperation. A special thanks to Takoma Park’s K-9 Officer for his tremendous assistance in this arrest, as well as our Criminal Investigations Division. Thanks to Montgomery County and the Metropolitan Police Department in these apprehensions. 2044@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-10T22:14:26-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002043.html Please avoid the use of Carroll Avenue during the paving. Back-ups on Carroll Avenue due to construction are very significant. Alternative routes are suggested. Parking is also restricted during this construction. Thank you. 2043@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-10T13:13:12-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002042.html On November 2, 2009, the Takoma Park Police Department had urged citizens to be alert concerning an individual, Charles Demetrius Terry, who was previously wanted through the Montgomery County Police Department for charges relating to a robbery and home invasion. Terry, 40, was arrested by the Montgomery County Police Department and is currently being held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit pending a $7,500 bond. 2042@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-10T11:14:29-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002041.html With the recent upsurge in thefts from vehicles, we are urging and reminding our residents to exercise caution and secure your belongings. We are urging all residents to turn on their porch lights. Officers on patrol please note street lights out and report it to my office via e-mail. Please also note in an e-mail to my office any lights obstructed by trees or foliage. We are asking residents to report anything suspicious to our department at 301-270-1100. Remember to call out with all available information and document any suspicious suspects you encounter. You can also use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous. * Text to 847411 * Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message. * Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that your tip is thoroughly investigated. * Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your community while remaining 100% anonymous. Your tip is important and CAN make a difference! If you see a crime in progress or need to report an emergency, please call 911. 2041@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-09T15:42:49-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002040.html 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 November 9, 2009 (2:50 p.m.) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE As previously announced, as part of National Night Out 2009, Takoma Park Police Department is participating in a program called “Project 365.” This program asks each police department participating in National Night Out to designate a problem and/or problem area in their community. The goal is to work towards correcting, or having a major impact, on the problem within an estimated “365” days - or in other words, by National Night Out 2010. Takoma Park Police’s objective for “Project 365” is to target drug activity, whereby decreasing crime in the area. By targeting the drug problem, we also target the gang activity and other criminal offenses related to that “life-style,” i.e., graffiti, loitering, auto theft, theft from vehicles, etc. The following is our first three month update (August 1 – November 5, 2009) on “Project 365” in Takoma Park: Arrests: There was a juvenile arrest made on August 10, 2009, in the 7700 block of Maple Avenue, for possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) marijuana and possession of CDS paraphernalia. A call was received for subjects smoking CDS in the playground area in the 7700 block of Maple Avenue. The Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) responded and observed the defendant in possession of CDS and paraphernalia, which he discarded, but was later recovered. The defendant was arrested. There was an adult arrest made on August 19, 2009, for possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) marijuana and possession of CDS paraphernalia, as well as transporting a handgun in a vehicle. The subject vehicle was stopped by TEU and a consent search of the vehicle was granted. A loaded .22 caliber revolver was located in a backpack of the vehicle. The defendant had two baggies of marijuana secreted in his sock. There was an adult arrest made on August 21, 2009, for trespassing. The subject is an associate of the Maple Avenue Crew (gang) and continually hangs out with other associates on Maple Avenue. He has been posted from numerous locations because of his loitering and other activities. He was observed by TEU trespassing on a property in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue after have been posted. He was arrested. There was an adult arrest made on September 24, 2009, for fleeing and eluding police, trespassing, attempted escape, disorderly conduct, false statements, and warrant for a failure to appear for violation of probation. TEU members observed this subject on a bike and he matched the description of a person of interest from an earlier surveillance. The subject fled on his bike, but was later apprehended. The subject trespassed on posted property, lied about his name and was wanted on an open warrant. There was a juvenile arrest made on October 4, 2009, for stolen auto and associated charges. While on patrol, an officer observed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed. In an attempt to effect a stop on the vehicle, it was involved in a single vehicle accident. One of the occupants fled. There is possible gang affiliation. Surveillance: In addition to the above arrests, there were also surveillance operations on several occasions targeting Maple Avenue, specifically the 7600 block near Maple and Sherman Avenue. The surveillance that was conducted also included targeting associates that have ties to Maple Avenue Crew (gang) and who were believed to be a part of the group responsible for theft from autos that had increased dramatically throughout the area. On September 1, members of TEU made contact with a business owner on Maple Avenue to inquire about trimming trees for better view, as well as changing the fencing around the property to prohibit sitting on the fence and “hanging out.” The owner was amenable to these crime prevention ideas. Detectives also made sure that the trespass contract was up-to-date in order for the police to continue to act as agents for the business and enforce the no trespassing. A warrant application was completed by TEU for an associate of the Maple Avenue Crew (gang) for trespassing in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue. There was further surveillance conducted on September 3. On September 9, surveillance of Maple Avenue was conducted. Four Field Investigative Reports (FIR’s) were completed on associates/members of Maple Avenue Crew (gang). Subjects ran from officers and were stopped on Carroll Avenue near Lee Avenue to the rear of the businesses. One of the subjects was found to have property on him that was from a student at Montgomery College. The success of any police department is contingent upon the involvement of the community; the police alone cannot be the sole providers of safety and security in a community. Citizen involvement and participation is instrumental in addressing crime and crime prevention in communities. The Takoma Park Police is committed to strengthening police community partnerships. Don’t be afraid to take your neighborhood back! If you see anything suspicious, please call 301-270-1100. And remember, you can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous. * Text to 847411 * Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message. * Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that your tip is thoroughly investigated. * Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your community while remaining 100% anonymous. Your tip is important and CAN make a difference! If you see a crime in progress or need to report an emergency, please call 911. 2040@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-09T14:51:48-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002039.html The City of Takoma Park, the American Red Cross and the Volunteer Center of Montgomery County invite you to participate in an information session on volunteer training for emergencies. Date/Time: Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 7:30 PM Place: The City of Takoma Park Community Center, Azalea Room. Refreshments will be served. 1. Emergency Action Team – Helping neighbors, staff an emergency hot line, help transport people, staff a volunteer dispatch center. 2. CERT - Provide community based search and rescue, first aid, and fire suppression until relieved by professional emergency responders. 3. Medical Reserve Corps – Medical professionals (doctors, nurses, technicians) assist the County’s public health staff, assist in shelters. 4. American Red Cross – Disaster relief, shelter staff. 5. Radio Communication – ARES, RACES or REACT: Licensed radio operators provide communication when normal communication channels are not available. 6. Volunteer Fire Department: - Fire & Rescue Unit Crew provide medical & physical rescue, hazard abatement, and fire suppression to Takoma Park and adjacent areas. 2039@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-09T14:49:52-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002038.html Chief Ronald A. Ricucci from the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of a 17-year old juvenile of Silver Spring, Maryland, who was charged with malicious destruction of property, theft under, unauthorized removal of property, driving without a license, and failure to control speed to avoid a collision. On November 8, 2009, at approximately 1:47 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue at Sligo Creek Parkway for reports of a property damage collision. The juvenile was operating a stolen vehicle, in which he struck another vehicle. The juvenile was arrested, charged and transported to the Takoma Park Police Department and then released to the custody of his legal guardian. 2038@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-09T12:03:10-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002037.html On November 7, 2009, at approximately 8:11 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 7300 block of Takoma Avenue for reports of suspicious individuals looking into vehicles with flashlights. Once in the area, officers located four subjects. One of the subjects fled and officers attempted to locate him to no avail. While speaking with the other three subjects, officers observed their having several iPods with them. The iPods were taken into custody pending further investigation. It should be noted that iPods had been stolen in several of the prior thefts from vehicles and vandalisms. A field report was documented on all three subjects and they were released from the scene. Investigation continues under case #09062711. If anyone has any information concerning this incident, please contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301.270.1100. You can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous. * Text to 847411 * Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message. * Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that your tip is thoroughly investigated. * Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your community while remaining 100% anonymous. Your tip is important and CAN make a difference! If you see a crime in progress or need to report an emergency, please call 911. 2037@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-09T12:02:31-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002036.html On November 6-7, 2009, during the evening/early morning hours, unknown suspects broke into, vandalized and stole property from vehicles on Boston Avenue, Cedar Avenue and Baltimore Avenue in Takoma Park. Method of entry was a screwdriver used to punch the locks or remove the windows from their tracks. Detectives did retrieve prints from the vehicles that will be further investigated. As of result, Chief Ricucci has increased uniform and plainclothes officers in Takoma Park tonight. If anyone has any information concerning these thefts/vandalisms, please contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301.270.1100. The Takoma Park Police Department reminds citizens that if you leave valuables in your vehicle, they may not 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. Remember, you can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous. * Text to 847411 * Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message. * Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that your tip is thoroughly investigated. * Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your community while remaining 100% anonymous. Your tip is important and CAN make a difference! If you see a crime in progress or need to report an emergency, please call 911. 2036@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-07T17:38:17-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002035.html 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 November 6, 2009 (2:40 p.m.) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE On February 20, 2009, Chief Ronald A. Ricucci from the Takoma Park Police Department announced the arrest of various suspects, including Jameise V. Christian, 17, of Washington, D.C., for armed robbery, unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon, carrying or transporting a handgun, use of a handgun during the commission of a felony, theft greater than $500, first degree assault, second degree assault, false imprisonment and conspiracy to commit all of the above. Christian was charged as an adult. Between October 25, 2008, at 8:30 p.m. and February 7, 2009, at 9:40 a.m., ten strong-armed robberies and six armed robberies involving Asian victims occurred in Takoma Park, Maryland, and neighboring jurisdictions. Thirteen of the 21 victims are known to have been opening or closing their places of business. Wallets, cash, credit cards, purses and cell phones were among the items taken. Most of the robberies involved weapons. On February 19, 2009, at approximately 11:53 p.m. Takoma Park Police responded to 1163 University Boulevard East, Takoma Park, Maryland, China Town Carry Out business, for a robbery that had just occurred. Upon arrival, Takoma Park officers met with the victims who identified a red vehicle which fled towards New Hampshire Avenue. Patrol units canvassed the area, at which time a Prince George’s County police officer observed a red vehicle matching the description, traveling at a high rate of speed without headlights on, southbound on New Hampshire Avenue. A traffic stop was conducted in the 6400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, wherein the vehicle was positively identified by the victim as being the one involved in the robbery. All three occupants in the vehicle matched the descriptions previously given by the victims. Property, to include a .45 caliber handgun, a large amount of U.S. Currency and other items of evidentiary value, were also recovered from inside the vehicle, linking the suspects to the robbery that occurred at China Town, as well as others in surrounding jurisdictions. On November 6, 2009, Jameise Christian was sentenced in Montgomery County Circuit Court to a 20-year sentence, all suspended except 15 years, for his role in these crimes. This is a great example of multi-jurisdictional cooperation and, in this case, one in which the City of Takoma Park was able to initiate charges which allowed other jurisdictions to solve their armed robbery cases. 2035@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-06T14:43:12-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002034.html On October 21, 2009, I sent out a News Release on the crime spree in our City. Today, I would like to update you on what is happening. We continue to have extra uniform and plainclothes patrols out at night in our City in areas where the crimes are occurring. In the last two weeks, we have reduced thefts from auto to one. This one occurred Wednesday night when a citizen spotted four suspects and called it in. We responded and the suspects fled from us. Unfortunately, we did not catch them. Over the last couple of weeks, you, the citizens, have been calling us more on suspicious activity. Keep it up – it is helping! As a result of the photographs that we posted for the robbery and thefts, our detectives have been following up numerous leads. We continue to work closely with Montgomery County and Metropolitan Police 4th District on recent events. We had a very safe Halloween and there have been no more street robberies. Be safe and continue to call 301-270-1100 if you see anything suspicious. And, remember, you can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous. * Text to 847411 * Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message. * Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that your tip is thoroughly investigated. * Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your community while remaining 100% anonymous. Your tip is important and CAN make a difference! If you see a crime in progress or need to report an emergency, please call 911. We will continue to keep you informed on what is happening in our City. Chief Ronald A. Ricucci 2034@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-06T14:13:50-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/archives/002033.html The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has scheduled the resurfacing of Carroll Avenue, from Westmoreland Avenue to Lee Avenue, to begin November 9th. The work is expected to take two or three days. The first phase will be the milling (removal) of the top layer of asphalt from the surface. The second phase will include repairing any base problems and the third phase will be applying new asphalt to the street surface. Due to the heavily traveled nature of this street, WSSC has received permission from the State Highway Administration to do some of the work at night, rather than during the day. Daytime work is scheduled for Carroll Avenue between Westmoreland Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue. Night time work is scheduled for Carroll Avenue from Philadelphia Avenue to Lee Avenue. 2033@http://www.takomapark.info/pd/posts/ 2009-11-05T14:49:11-05:00