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From the State Police website:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2008

SUSPECT IN HIT AND RUN FATAL TURNS HIMSELF INTO STATE POLICE

(Rockville, Maryland) – The suspect involved in last night’s hit and run fatal, claiming the life of a child, has turned himself in to Maryland State Police.

Shortly before 2:30 p.m. today, the suspect, identified as Michael Dean Eaton, 32, of the 4700-block of Bibeford Square of Fairfax, Virginia turned himself into police at the Rockville Barracks. After consultation with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, troopers charged Eaton with failure to remain at a scene involving death. There may be additional charges pending further investigation of this case. He is currently being processed at the Rockville Barracks where he will await an initial appearance before a court commissioner.

Eaton is charged with the hit and run fatal that occurred shortly before midnight last night. Four people and a dog were traveling in a gold 1995 Jeep Cherokee on southbound Interstate 270 in lane two. A silver 2005 Range Rover, displaying Virginia tags was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed when it slammed into the rear of the Jeep Cherokee south of I-370. Without stopping or rendering aide, the driver of the Range Rover continued for a short distance. He exited the vehicle and apparently fled on foot.

The deceased victim is identified as Jasmine Warr, 10, of the 8800-block of Darrow Road in Twinsburg, Ohio. She was transported by ambulance to Shady Grove Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

The dog, a black Labrador Retriever was ejected from the Jeep Cherokee. A concerned citizen noticed the animal stumbling a short distance away from the scene of the crash. The citizen then transported the injured dog to the Metropolitan Emergency Animal Clinic in Rockville where he was treated. Due to his massive injuries, the dog did not survive.

Injured victims in the crash include the driver, William J. Warr, Jr., 53 and front seat passenger, Angela T. Warr, 45, of the 8800-block of Darrow Road in Twinsburg, Ohio. They were both transported by ambulance to Suburban hospital with non life-threatening injuries. They have been released.

Also injured in the crash was Cortavia Harris, 11, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle next to Jasmine. She was transported by medevac to Children’s Hospital where she remains in stable condition.

Lanes were closed on southbound I-270 for approximately five and a half hours while personnel from the State Highway Administration assisted with detours. The Maryland State Police Aviation Command, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue also responded to the scene.

The fatal hit-and-run collision is being investigated by the Maryland State Police Crash Team and troopers assigned to the Rockville Barrack.

The investigation continues…

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CONTACT: Ms. Elena Russo
Office of Media Communications & Marketing
410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer)

From the State Police website (photo via Connected Communities):

POLICE SEARCH FOR DRIVER INVOLVED IN HIT AND RUN FATAL

(Rockville, Maryland) - Troopers from the Maryland State Police Rockville Barrack are continuing an investigation into a fatal hit-and-run collision which occurred late last night on southbound I-270, and claimed the life of a child.

The deceased victim is identified as Jasmine Warr, 10, of the 8800-block of Darrow Road in Twinsburg, Ohio. She was transported by ambulance to Shady Grove Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

Injured victims in the crash include the driver, William J. Warr, Jr., 53 and front seat passenger, Angela T. Warr, 45, of the 8800-block of Darrow Road in Twinsburg, Ohio. They were both transported by ambulance to Suburban hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Also injured in the crash was Cortavia Harris, 11, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle. She was transported by medevac to Children’s Hospital where she remains in stable condition.

Police are actively searching for the suspect driver of the striking vehicle involved in this crash. He is identified as Michael Dean Eaton, 32, of the 4700-block of Bibeford Square of Fairfax, Virginia.

The preliminary investigation revealed that shortly before midnight last night, a gold 1995 Jeep Cherokee was driving southbound on Interstate 270 in lane two. A silver 2005 Range Rover, displaying Virginia tags was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed when it slammed into the rear of the Jeep Cherokee. Without stopping or rendering aide, the driver of the Range Rover continued for approximately one mile. He exited the vehicle and apparently fled on foot.

Lanes were closed on southbound I-270 for approximately five and a half hours while personnel from the State Highway Administration assisted with detours. The Maryland State Police Aviation Command, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue also responded to the scene.

The fatal hit-and-run collision is being investigated by the Maryland State Police Crash Team and personnel assigned to the Rockville Barrack.

Troopers are asking anyone with information regarding the suspect to contact the Maryland State Police Rockville Barrack at 301-424-2101. A photograph of the suspect is available upon request.

The investigation continues…

Rape Suspect Composite
(click image for larger, printable version)

County press release via Conected Communities:

Composite Released for Rape in Gaithersburg

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division - Homicide/Sex Section are continuing to investigate the report of a rape that occurred Tuesday night in Gaithersburg.

Detectives have developed a hand-sketched composite of the suspect believed to be responsible for the rape of a 29-year-old Gaithersburg woman in Gaithersburg. He is described as a black male, in his 40’s, 6’0” to 6’3” tall, weighing 190 to 225 pounds. He has short black hair and had a clean shaven appearance. He was wearing a black shirt and black shorts.

On August 19 at approximately 9:40 p.m., 6th District officers and K-9 units responded to the 17800 block of Washington Grove Lane in Gaithersburg for the report of a rape that had just occurred. Through the course of the investigation it was learned that a 29-year-old Gaithersburg woman was walking in the area of Washington Grove Lane and Emory Grove Road. She was approached by a male suspect who pulled her into a nearby wooded area and raped her. Immediately after the assault, the victim called police. The K-9 units, officers on foot, and the Maryland State Police helicopter conducted a search for the suspect with negative results.

Anyone who has information about this assault and/or the suspect is asked to call the Homicide/Sex Section at 240-773-5070. Callers may remain anonymous.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, Gaithersburg woman raped in woods:
  

  County police detectives are searching for a man who dragged a 29-year-old Gaithersburg woman into the woods near Washington Grove on Tuesday night and raped her.

  See also my previous post on this incident.

• Sebastian Montes writes, Montgomery Village man shot, police say suspects fled in gold Honda:
  

  A 19-year-old Montgomery Village man is in critical condition but is expected to survive after being shot Tuesday night on Ridgeline Drive, near the Montgomery Village shopping center.

  See also my previous post on this incident.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, Fire officials seek arsonist in apartment fire:
  

  Fire investigators say that arson caused an early Saturday fire at Forest Oak Towers, a high-rise for elderly and disabled low-income residents in Gaithersburg owned by the county’s Housing Opportunities Commission.

• Meghan Tierney writes, Explosives charges dropped against Gaithersburg man:
  

  Prosecutors have dropped 17 of the 23 charges filed against a man accused of manufacturing explosives in the basement of his Gaithersburg town house, but more may be added as the investigation continues.

  Investigators searching the car and home of James L. Boka, 48, in May after receiving a tip about someone shooting off fireworks found boxes of fireworks, 11 destructive devices, marijuana and 230 pounds of chemicals commonly used to make explosives, according to police charging documents.

• Sebastian Montes writes, Saybrooke man arrested in politician threat case:
  

  State police arrested a Gaithersburg man last week on misdemeanor charges that he threatened to injure Gov. Martin O’Malley and U.S. Sens. Barbara A. Mikulski and Hillary Clinton, as well as friends and members of their families.

• Meghan Tierney writes, County agencies will not move to Dickerson:
  

  Much about the county executive’s proposal to relocate several government agencies upcounty from Rockville remains unclear, but one thing is certain: no county agencies will be moved to a 318-acre site near Dickerson.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, Home gets a boost, and a new life:
  

  Drivers through Olde Towne Gaithersburg may be surprised to see a 104-year-old home on stilts.

  The building, owned by Grace United Methodist Church and located at the corner of Frederick and Walker avenues, was once home to prominent Gaithersburg families and is being renovated.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, County fair nets record attendance:
  

  This year’s Montgomery County fair, which wrapped up on Saturday, smashed last year’s attendance record, making it the most visited fair in its 60-year history.

  Fair officials have not tallied their total take, but are hoping the approximately 225,000 visitors – 7,000 more than last year – helped turn a profit, said Martin Svrcek, executive director of the nonprofit Montgomery County Agricultural Center, which hosts the eight-day fair.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, Photos of former students pulled from slideshow:
  

  Montgomery County Public Schools removed a slide last week from an online version of a Quince Orchard High School presentation that included photographs of 18 former students alongside data describing them as needing help in Algebra.

• Susan Singer-Bart writes, Rockville, Damascus teens are king and queen of the fair:
  

  The carnival rides have moved on to their next location and the animals are back in their stalls or off to market, but memories of the 60th annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair will linger for Andrew Dobos of Rockville and Bree Feuillet of Damascus, who were named this year’s king and queen.

From the County’s website:

8/20/2008

Detectives Investigate Rape in Gaithersburg

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division - Homicide/Sex Section are investigating the report of a rape that occurred last night in Gaithersburg.

On August 19 at approximately 9:40 p.m., 6th District officers and K-9 units responded to the 17800 block of Washington Grove Lane in Gaithersburg for the report of a rape that had just occurred. Through the course of the investigation it was learned that a 29-year-old Gaithersburg woman was walking in the area of Washington Grove Lane and Emory Grove Road. She was approached by a male suspect who pulled her into a nearby wooded area and raped her. Immediately after the assault, the victim called police. The K-9 units, officers on foot, and the Maryland State Police helicopter conducted a search for the suspect with negative results.

The suspect is described as an African-American male, approximately 40 years old, 6′ to 6′3″ tall, with a medium build and very short, crew cut-style black hair. He was wearing a black shirt and black shorts.

Anyone who has information about this assault and/or the suspect is asked to call the Homicide/Sex Section at 240-773-5070. Callers may remain anonymous.

Also, Patricia M. Murret reports in the Gazette, Gaithersburg woman raped in woods:

[County Police Spokesman Lt. Paul] Starks said it was too early in the investigation to establish a link between Tuesday’s attack and a July 30 assault at the same location.

Police responded to the 17800 block of Washington Grove Lane at 5:30 a.m. on July 30 for an alleged sexual assault after a man, described as a 6-foot-tall black male, about 40 years old with short hair and weighing 180-200 pounds, approached a female victim in her car, asked her questions, then began kissing her when she opened her car door. He fled the scene.

From the County’s website:

8/20/2008

Shooting in Montgomery Village

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police 5th/6th District Investigative Section are investigating a shooting that occurred at approximately 10:10 last night in the 9900 block of Ridgeline Drive in Montgomery Village.

Sixth District officers responded to that address for the report of shots fired. As officers began their investigation several neighbors stated that they had heard what they thought were gunshots. Blood was observed on the sidewalk. During the investigation an individual arrived who stated that he had just taken a friend suffering from gunshot wounds to a local hospital. The victim, a 19-year-old male from Montgomery Village, was suffering from life-threatening injuries and was flown from that hospital to an area trauma center. He remains in critical condition and is now expected to survive.

Through the course of the investigation it was learned that two black males were seen running from the area and then getting into a gold Honda, possibly an Accord. The car was observed leaving at a high rate of speed.

One suspect was described as being in his 30’s, short, with a heavy build, and was wearing black shorts and a white tee shirt with a jacket tied around his waist. The other suspect was described as being in his 20’s, average height, thin build. He was wearing black pants and a white tee shirt.

Anyone who has information about this shooting is asked to call the 5th/6th District Investigative Section at 301-840-2347.

A stabbing near the fire station. An attack with baseball bats in Bohrer park. A man punched and robbed on North Summit. A man hit in the head with a bottle and robbed at the Lakeforest Transit Center. A Ride-On bus driver assaulted. It’s been a busy week.

From the City’s website:

Monday, August 18, 2008

Aggravated Assault

On 08/18/08, at 1:00 a.m., a fight broke out at the Los Almendos Restaurant located at 20 Montgomery Village Avenue. As a result of that fight, one person was stabbed multiple times in the stomach. Four suspects fled the scene on foot, last seen running towards Lakeforest Mall. The victim’s injuries were non-life threatening. An investigation is ongoing

Suspect #1 - Hispanic male wearing a black shirt and blue jeans.
Suspect #2 - Hispanic male wearing a red shirt and blue jeans.
Suspect #3 - Hispanic male.
Suspect #4 - Hispanic male.

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Sunday, August 17, 2008

Armed Robbery

On 08/17/08, at approximately 9:00 p.m., three Hispanic males were walking through Bohrer Park when they were approached by four individuals with baseball bats and a metal chain. The suspects attacked the victims, hitting them with the bats and stole property from them. The suspects fled the scene on foot, last seen running toward West Deer Park Road. The victims had minor injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

Suspect #1 - Hispanic male, 18-20 yrs old, wearing dark clothing and a white bandana or ski cap covering his face.
Suspect #2 - Hispanic male, 18-20 yrs old, wearing dark clothing and a white bandana or ski cap covering his face.
Suspect #3 - Hispanic male, 18-20 yrs old, wearing dark clothing and a white bandana or ski cap covering his face.
Suspect #4 - Black male, 18-20 yrs old, wearing dark clothing and a white bandana or ski cap covering his face.

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Saturday, August 16, 2008

Strong Arm Robbery

On 08/16/08, at approximately 8:30 p.m., police responded to the area of North Summit Avenue and Belts Place for the report of a robbery. The victim was approached by an unknown suspect, punched, and had his personal property taken. The suspect fled in an unknown direction.

Suspect - Black male, 20-22 yrs old, 5′07″-5′09″, 165-185 lbs, wearing a white t-shirt, black pants, and white sneakers.

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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Assault

On 08/14/08, at 8:27 p.m., a Ride-On bus driver was assaulted by a passenger. The suspect was located and arrested by police.

Armed Robbery

On 08/13/08, at approximately 10:30 p.m., police responded to the area of the transit center located at Lost Knife Road and Odend Hal Avenue. The victim reported that he had been approached by a group of male subjects, was struck in the head with a bottle, and property taken from him. The victim was treated for his injuries at an area hospital.

Suspects - 2 to 4 black males, no further description.

Burglary

Sometime between 7:15 a.m. and 7:20 p.m., a residence in the unit block of Shipwright Court was burglarized. Two bicycles were taken from an open garage. On of the bicycles was recovered down the street.

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Monday, August 04, 2008

Burglary

Sometime between 8:00 a.m. on 07/24/08 and 5:00 p.m. on 08/04/08, a resident in the 700 block of Muddy Branch Road was burglarized. There were no signs of forced entry and property was taken.

On 08/04/08, at approximately 4:30 a.m., police responded to the 100 block of Duvall Lane for a report of a burglary. Entry was made through an unlocked patio door. Property was taken.

Sometime between 12:30 p.m. on 08/01/08 and 8:00 a.m. on 08/04/08, the snack shop at Kelly park was burglarized. The lock had been pried off the door and property was taken.

Via Connected Communites, where reports for all six districts are available.

P1 Beat:

• Four thefts from vehicles occurred in the neighborhood behind the Muddy Branch Square Shopping Center in Gaithersburg between Monday, 7/28 and Tuesday, 7/29. The vehicles were located on Autumn Flower Lane and Leafcup Road and all had windows broken to obtain the GPS units inside.
• A theft from a construction site occurred in the 9700 block of Washingtonian Boulevard in Gaithersburg between Monday, 8/4 and Tuesday, 8/5. Construction materials were reported missing.

P2 Beat:

• A strong-arm robbery occurred on Almaden Place in Gaithersburg on Friday, 8/1 around 1:15 a.m. An employee making a food delivery was approached by two suspects who stole his delivery and cash. The employee fled to his car and was unharmed.
• An armed robbery occurred in the parking lot of 12155 Darnestown Road in Gaithersburg on Saturday, 8/2 just before 2:00 a.m. The victim had finished delivering newspapers when he was approached by two suspects. Suspect #1 displayed a handgun and demanded the victim’s property. The victim complied.

  Suspect: B/M multi-colored shirt, blue jeans, handgun
  Suspect: B/M black hoodie

R1 Beat:

• An armed robbery occurred in the 9700 block of Docena Drive in Montgomery Village on Tuesday, 7/29 at 10:00 p.m.

  Suspects: Two B/Ms, 20 years, 5’10”, black tee shirts

• An aggravated assault occurred on Docena Ct. in Montgomery Village on Tuesday, 7/29 at 9:00 p.m. Two suspects were observed outside of the residence waving a pistol around, in a threatening manner. The investigation is continuing.

• An armed robbery occurred in the 18000 block of Singing Pine Circle in Montgomery Village on Sunday, 8/3 around 9:25 p.m. The suspect approached the victim and demanded his money. The victim complied and the suspect fled.

  Suspect: B/M short hair, white tee shirt, black pants

• An aggravated assault occurred between known individuals at 1812 Windjammer Way in Gaithersburg on Saturday, 8/2 around 7:30 p.m. During a dispute, an adult male was stabbed in the forearm. The suspect was arrested nearby.
• A residential burglary occurred in the 18000 block of Royal Bonnet Circle in Montgomery Village between Friday, 8/1 at 3:00 p.m. and Saturday, 8/2 at 2:30 a.m. No forced entry, property taken.
• A residential burglary occurred in the 18400 block of Lost Knife Circle in Montgomery Village between Thursday, 7/31 and Sunday, 8/3. No forced entry, property taken.
• A residential burglary occurred in the 18700 block of Nathans Place in Montgomery Village between Sunday, 8/3 and Tuesday, 8/5 and was perpetrated by teenagers. Forced entry, two juveniles were found inside.

R2 Beat:

• A residential burglary occurred in the 20100 block of Welbeck Terrace in Montgomery Village. Three suspects were arrested after breaking into the residence on Tuesday, 7/29 around 10:30 a.m. Property was recovered.
• A residential burglary occurred in the 20500 block of Sterncroft Court in Gaithersburg on Friday, 8/1 between 12:45 p.m. and 1:20 p.m. Forced entry, nothing taken.

S1 Beat:

• A rape occurred on Friday, 8/1 on East Deer Park Road in Gaithersburg. The suspect and the victim were acquaintances. The investigation is continuing.
• A strong-arm robbery occurred aboard a Metro bus on Wednesday, 7/30 between 5:00 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. which was traveling north on Rt. 355 from the Shady Grove Metro to the Germantown Depot. Four suspects sat down near the victim and began talking rudely. One suspect then struck the victim in the face and stole his property. Two other suspects wielded knives and a firearm.

  Suspect: B/M 14 to 16 years, 5’8” to 5’9”, long black hair,
  Three additional suspects: B/Ms, 18 to 21 years

S2 Beat:

• A commercial burglary occurred at the Mythos Grill at 8371 Snouffer School Road in Gaithersburg on Friday, 8/1 just before 3:30 a.m. Forced entry, property taken.
• A residential burglary occurred on Briardale Court in Derwood between Tuesday, 7/29 and Thursday, 7/31. There was no sign of forced entry but property was reported missing.
• A residential burglary occurred in the 18300 block of Swan Stream Drive in Gaithersburg on Sunday, 8/3 between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. There was no forced entry, property was taken.
• Two vehicle thefts occurred in the 17700 block of Larosa Lane in Gaithersburg between Sunday, 8/3 and Monday, 8/4.
• An attempted vehicle theft occurred on Sunday, 8/3 in the 18400 block of Honeylocust Drive in Gaithersburg.
• A vehicle theft occurred in the 18300 block of Streamside Drive on Gaithersburg overnight between Sunday, 8/3 and
  Monday, 8/4.

• A sexual assault occurred in the 17800 block of Washington Grove Lane in Washington Grove on Wednesday, 7/30 around 5:30 a.m. The suspect first asked the victim, who was inside her car, questions. When she opened the door, he began kissing her and then fled.

  Suspect: B/M 40 years, 6’0”, 180-200 lbs., short hair, fluorescent green shirt or vest

Update: The video of this meeting is here. Public appearances start at about 7 minutes into the video; the Mayor & Council discussion immediately follows.

Watching tonight’s Mayor and Council Meeting, I note that several members of the Council, responding to comments from the public, explicitly referred to the County’s Property Use Initiative website, stating that they found the County’s description of the City’s response (“The City of Gaithersburg has not opposed our proposed uses. Some officials voiced support, other cautious support and others were non-committal.”) to the GE Tech Park proposal not to be completely in line with reality, which is pretty much what I had thought from the dialog in previous meetings. From the discussion in tonight’s meeting (I’ll put up a link to the video when such is available) it appears that the City continues to have discussions with the County on this topic, and is attempting to obtain firm assurances on issues such as the viewshed of Lake Placid and compensation for the lost tax base — although the County has yet to agree to anything of substance.

Also, I received the following email from Kentlands resident Richard Arkin in response to my previous post on this subject, pasted in here with permission:

I have not had the opportunity to analyze as thoroughly as you the county’s new “Property Use Initiative” PR websites and video. In my own brief review, however, I did notice some other deceptions and downright falsehoods in its postings.

If the county did indeed say “The property is I-3 zoning which permits the County to uses including office, warehousing and manufacturing,” then it has made a statement that is absolutely false. The city’s I-3 zone (and the property is, indeed, in the city and subject to the city rather than county, zoning ordinance) does permit certain office, warehouse, and manufacturing uses, with limitations. However, “public [i.e., government] buildings and uses” do not permit “on-site parking or storage of trucks, either within a building or on the exterior, or motor vehicles other than automobiles for employees and customers of the facility are allowed” and expressly prohibits government warehouses and delivery operations of any kind by stating “No distribution uses are allowed. For the purpose of this section “distribution uses” is defined as the primary use of the property for the “collection and transfer or dispensing of personal property or equipment to public or private recipients.” The only basis for the county repeatedly making the statement that what it wants to do is permitted is because the county takes the position that zoning laws do not apply to it. The state and federal governments do not, as a matter of policy, violate local zoning laws, but the county apparently does.

If the county also said that moving the District 1 police station into the GE Tech Park site does not take it out of District 1, then that statement is also false. County Police District 1 ends at Darnestown Road. The entire GE Tech Park subdivision is within county Police District 6.

But wait, there’s more in addition to these false statements and the deceptive statements in the website:

Another deceptive aspect of the website is its separation in their flowchart of the Finnmarc-owned parts of the GE Tech Park from the Gaithersburg Realty Trust-owned segments of the GE Tech Park and placing the Finnmark property with an ownership but not location designation next to the Casey Tract on their chart. The GRC segment, in contrast is labeled with the location, GE Tech Park, but not the ownership and is separated physically on the flowchart. The overall deceptive impression left is that only office locations will be located in the GE Tech Park, while the liquor distribution warehouse will be housed in an industrial Finnmarc tract somewhere near the Casey Tract.

In addition, the individual “sites being considered” listing (which should really be labeled as “sites pre-selected without comparison to other sites”) says that the so-called Finnmarc site is “adjacent” to the GE Tech Park (somewhat more revealing than the flow chart labeling), but fails to note that it is part of GE Tech Park. The sites are labeled as being on Route 28, although the areas to be developed are not very close to route 28 and are adjacent to and very visible from Lakelands and Kentlands.

I am sure there are others that will turn up on further examination, but I wanted to share these with you and your readership now.

Thanks.

Dick Arkin

In a later email, Mr. Arkin added:

It also troubles me greatly that the county is using as one of its prime justifications its plan to develop a Kentlands-like New Urbanist community on the parcels now occupied by some of the facilities they seek to move to GE Tech Park. The city’s master plan for GE Tech Park contemplates what would be an extension of Kentlands and Lakelands into the tract. So it seems to me that what the county plans to do is akin to robbing Peter (Kentlands, Lakelands, and North Potomac) to pay Paul (the Shady Grove sector).