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Goings on in Gaithersburg, Maryland

July 21st, 2008

Recent City Police Crime Reports

From the City’s website:

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Attempted Burglary

Sometime between 07/18/08 at 6:00 p.m. and 07/19/2008 at 7:45 a.m., unknown suspect(s) attempted to break into the Suburban Dental Office, located at 106 South Frederick Ave, by prying open the mailbox. No entry was gained. Investigation to continue.

Burglary

On 07/19/08, at 3:48 a.m., units responded to Ay Jalisco Restaurant, located at 425 South Frederick Avenue, for an alarm. Upon arrival officers found the front door had been smashed out by a boulder. Cash was taken. Investigation to continue.


Monday, July 14, 2008

Burglary

Sometime between 11:50 p.m. on 07/14/08 and 12:01 a.m. on 07/15/08, the Latin market at 445 S Frederick Ave was burglarized. The front door was smashed out and property was taken. The suspects were identified and arrested.


Saturday, July 12, 2008

Strong Arm Robbery

On 07/12/08, at approximately 1:31 a.m., the victim was walking up to her building in the unit block of Water Street when the known suspect confronted her and talked to her. The victim took out her cell phone to call the police and the suspect grabbed it and ran away. The investigation is ongoing.


Friday, July 11, 2008

Aggravated Assault

On 07/11/08, at approximately 6:30 a.m., police responded to the 100 block of Duvall Lane for the report of an assault. The victim let the suspect into her apartment and he assaulted her. The suspect fled the scene. After an investigation the suspect was identified and arrested.

Burglary

Sometime between 5:30 p.m. on 07/10/08 and 8:15 a.m. on 07/11/08, a dental office located at 604 S Frederick Avenue was burglarized. The front office door was pried open and property was taken.


Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Burglary

Sometime between 2:30 p.m. on 07/05/08 and 11:00 a.m. on 07/07/08, unknown suspect(s) entered an apartment in the 900 block of Beacon Square Court. Property was taken. Investigation to continue.

July 8th, 2008

Recent City Police Crime Reports

From the City’s website:

Monday, July 07, 2008

Burglary

Sometime between 07/03/2008 at 3:00p.m. and 07/07/2008 at 9:00a.m., an unknown suspect burglarized the concession stand at Kelley Park, 400 Victory Farm Drive.


Saturday, July 05, 2008

Aggravated Assault

On 07/05/08, at approximately 10:32 p.m., police responded to the 400 block of Muddy Branch Road for a fight in progress. Police located an adult male victim suffering from injuries sustained from an assault. Police were able to identify and locate the suspects in a nearby apartment and arrested the two suspects responsible for the assault. Both were charged with first degree assault. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he was treated for his injuries


Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Burglary

On 07/02/2008 between the hours of 5:20pm and 8:15 pm unknown suspect(s) entered L&M Designs, located at 204 Main Street through a lower level door. Nothing was taken. Investigation to continue.


Sunday, June 29, 2008

Aggravated Assault

On 06/29/08, at 9:12 p.m., there was an aggravated assault on Gloria Way at Steven Court. The victim was allegedly struck in the head with a handgun. The suspect is known and the investigation is continuing.

Armed Robbery

On 06/29/08, at approximately 2:38 a.m., police responded to the 300 block of North Frederick Avenue for an assault. The victim, a 23 year old male, told police he had been struck with a shovel by a known suspect who then stole his wallet. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The incident is still under investigation.

June 27th, 2008

Recent City Police Crime Reports

The Summer is getting hotter. A baseball bat to the head, a knife to the hand, sexual assaults at the water park. As for the sexual assault, I’ve searched the court records, and the only arrest I could find by a Gaithersburg officer for a sexual assault on June 24 was of 22 year old Jose L. Hernandez II of S. Frederick Ave, alias Jose L. Aguilar II, alias Jose M. Aguilar. Mr. Hernandez is charged with one count of fourth degree sex offense, three counts of second degree assault, and one count of disorderly conduct. Bail was set at $25,000, but as of this writing the court records do not show that he was able to post this amount — it shows him as still being in jail. A trial has been set for July 22 at 8:30am. Mr. Hernandez also has an outstanding charge dating to December of 2006 for Urinating in public, for which an FTA (failure to appear) warrant was issued in January 2007; as well as charges for two counts of receiving/retaining lost credit cards and one count of having alcohol “in apt. areas” dating to July of 2007, with an FTA warrant issued a week after his arrest. All of these charges have been added to the July 22 trial.

From the City’s website:

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Attempted Armed Robbery

On 06/25/08, at 8:44 p. m., police responded to 458 Girard St. for a report of an assault with a baseball bat. Upon arrival, police located a victim suffering from a head wound. The victim stated that he and his friend were behind the Gaithersburg Middle School drinking beer and were approached by three Hispanic males. The males asked for their beer and the victim replied no. The males then asked for money and when the victim replied no again, he was struck on the forehead with a baseball bat. The victim ran but was chased down, and struck several more times. The victim suffered a cut to the forehead, and was taken to the hospital.

Suspects: (1) Hispanic male 28 yoa, wearing a gray shirt and black pants, armed with a baseball bat. No description for suspects two and three other than they were Hispanic males.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Burglary

Sometime between 06/24/08 at noon and 06/25/08 at 10:30 a.m., an unknown suspect burglarized La Flor de la Canela located at 117 North Frederick Avenue. No property was taken.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Arrest

On 06/24/08, at 5:12 p.m., police responded to the 500 block of S. Frederick Avenue, the Water Park at Bohrer Park, for a report of a sexual assault. Upon arrival, police were advised by witnesses and victims that a subject inappropriately touched three females. The subject was subsequently arrested.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Armed Robbery

On 06/22/08, at approximately 10:20 p.m., in the area of East Diamond Avenue and North Summit Avenue, the victim was approached by a male suspect who demanded money. The victim refused and suffered a stab wound to his hand. Victim was transported to an area hospital. No property was obtained by the suspect.

Suspect - White Hispanic male

June 22nd, 2008

Recent City Police Crime Reports

From the City’s website:

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Burglary

On 6/22/08 at 4:15 P.M. there was a burglary reported in the 200 block of High Gables Drive. The burglary was to an attached garage and occurred between 6/20/08 and 6/22/08.

Strong Arm Robbery

On 06/22/2008 at 3:03 am., Police were flagged down by the victim of a strong arm carjacking that had just occurred in the 400 blk. Of E. Diamond Ave. The suspects smashed out the driver’s side window and took the victims keys and wallet from him. Police located the victims vehicle abandoned in the 300 Blk. of N. Summit Avenue. The area was checked by Police helicopter and K9. The suspects are still outstanding.

Suspects:
Black male teens/ 20’s with a black shirt and blue jeans.
Black male teens/ 20’s with a striped shirt and blue jeans.


Saturday, June 21, 2008

Aggravated Assault

On 06/21/2008 at 1147 pm., Police responded to the 100 blk. Of Duvall Lane for the report of a dispute involving a knife. The suspect and victim were arguing at the doorway of a residence when the suspect produced a switch blade knife and attempted to cut the victim. The suspect was located in the development a short time later and arrested.


Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Armed Robbery

On 06/17/2008 at approximately 4:15 pm suspect entered Dock of the Bay, located at 429 South Frederick Ave, and displayed a 12 inch knife. Suspect grabbed unknown amount of US Currency from the register before fleeing on foot. A suspect was identified and arrested without incident a short time later.

Significant Events

On 06/17/2008 at approximately 8:00pm Police and Fire Rescue responded for a gasoline leak at the Shell Gas Station, 15 South Summit Avenue. South Summit Avenue was closed for approximately three hours from North Frederick Avenue to East Diamond Avenue while Hazmat teams cleaned up the spill.


Monday, June 16, 2008

Significant Events

On 06/16/2008 at approximately 4:22 pm Police and Fire Rescue personnel responded to the 300 block of High Gables Drive for a fire on the roof. Six units were deemed unlivable at this time. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.


Saturday, June 14, 2008

Aggravated Assault

On 06/14/2008 at 1:06pm., Police responded to the area of N. Summit Dr. for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival it was learned that the victim and suspect had been drinking and involved in a verbal altercation. The suspect stabbed the victim in the hand with a small knife and fled on foot. The suspect was located two hours later hiding under a deck in the 500 Blk. Of Mandolin Court and arrested.


Friday, June 13, 2008

Attempted Armed Robbery

On 06/13/2008 at 9:36 pm., Police responded to an attempt robbery in front of 911 Clopper Rd. The crime had actually occurred 30 minutes prior but the victim waited to call police. The victim reported that two young Hispanic males approached him while he was in his vehicle in the apartment parking lot demanding money or jewelry. They suddenly fled on foot when onlookers startled them. There were no injuries and no property was

June 12th, 2008

Recent City Police Crime Reports

From the City’s website:

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Significant Events

On 06/11/08, at approximately 12:15 a.m., the victim was driving in the area of Bureau Drive and Firstfield Road when the suspect entered the vehicle and ordered the victim out at gunpoint. The suspect fled the scene in the vehicle. Investigation to continue.

Suspect - Black male, 20 to early 30 yrs old, 5′11″, medium build armed with a handgun.

Stolen vehicle - 2007 Black Ford Mustang convertible with unknown VA tags


Sunday, June 08, 2008

Aggravated Assault

On 06/08/08, at 6:20 p.m., there was an aggravated assault in the 800 block of Muddy Branch Road. The suspect attempted to cut the victim with a knife after an argument. The suspect was arrested on the scene.


Saturday, June 07, 2008

Aggravated Assault

On 06/07/08, at 11:44 p.m.., police responded to the rear of the 200 block of East Diamond Avenue for a fight. An intoxicated male had attempted to stab three people with a box cutter during a dispute. The suspect was arrested on the scene.

On 06/07/08, at approximately 5:50 a.m., police responded to the 400 block of N Summit Avenue for the report of an assault. The victim had gone to an apartment with an acquaintance where he was assaulted by him and two other unknown suspects.

Suspect - Hispanic male

Burglary

On 06/07/08, at approximately 3:00 p.m., a burglary was reported in the 400 block of Victory Farm Road. Entry was made with a key. The suspects then removed food.

Strong Arm Robbery

On 06/07/08 at 11:25 p.m.., there was a strong arm robbery of a pizza delivery driver in the 500 block of White Surf Terrace.

Suspects - Two black males in shorts posing as customers.


Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Aggravated Assault

On 06/04/08, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the victim was walking in the 100 block of Watkins Station Circle when he was shot in the abdomen. The victim walked home and had a friend take him to the hospital. The investigation is ongoing.

June 3rd, 2008

Recent City Police Crime Reports

I’ve gotten a couple of emails asking about a police helicopter in Olde Towne late last night. I do not know for certain but the first incident listed here sounds as if it could be the incident in question.

From the City’s website:

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Arrest

On 06/03/08, at 1:19 a m, police were dispatched to the 400 block of Girard Street for a report of two black males in a red vehicle tampering with the ignition. Upon arrival, the suspects bailed out of the vehicle and ran to a Ford Ranger which was later found to be stolen off of Lewisberry Drive, hopped in, and drove off. The truck was found abandoned at the circle on Larkspur Way. The suspects ran behind the houses on Larkspur Way and headed towards the Saybrooke Community. A third suspect was caught in the 400 block of Girard Street hiding underneath a Ford SUV.

Arrested: 22 years old Courtney Davis with a Gaithersburg address.

Suspects: Two black males one with braids and a white shirt, and one wearing a long sleeve red shirt.


Sunday, June 01, 2008

Armed Robbery

On 06/01/08, at 3:12 p.m., there was an armed robbery in the unit block of Trento Court. The suspect produced a handgun and obtained money from the driver of an ice cream truck.

Suspect - A light skin black male, 5′9″, 160 lbs wearing a blue and white striped shirt and blue short pants.


Saturday, May 31, 2008

Strong Arm Robbery

On 05/31/08, at approximately 3:15 p.m., the victim was walking in the area of Olde Towne Avenue and Fulks Corner Avenue, when he was struck from behind and his wallet was taken. The suspect fled on foot. The suspect has been tentatively identified. Investigation to continue.


Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Strong Arm Robbery

On 5/28/08, at 4:15 p.m., there was a strong arm robbery in the 200 block of Muddy Branch Road. The victim was beaten and his wallet was taken.

Suspects - Four black males all wearing white shirts, two were wearing shorts pants and two were wearing long pants.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Burglary

On 05/27/08, at approximately 9:42 a.m., police responded to the 100 block of Argosy Drive for the report of a burglary. There were no signs of forced entry. Property was taken.


Monday, May 26, 2008

Aggravated Assault

On 05/26/08, at 7:49 p.m., there was an aggravated assault in the 500 block of South Frederick Avenue. The victim was stabbed in the arm with a broken bottle and the suspect was arrested on the scene.

Attempted Burglary

On 05/26/08, at approximately 8:42 p.m., police responded to the 200 block of Perrywinkle Lane for a burglary in progress. The resident saw the suspect in her back yard. When the police arrived they found a basement window that had been smashed out. The suspect was not located.

Suspect - Black male


Sunday, May 25, 2008

Burglary

Sometime between 7:15 p.m. on 05/24/08 and 9:45 a.m. on 05/25/08, The Latin Travel Express at 457 S Frederick Avenue was burglarized. There were no signs of forced entry to the exterior door. There was damage to an interior door, the alarm panel, and an interior window. No property was taken.

Strong Arm Robbery

On 05/25/08, at approximately 2:28 p.m., the victim was walking in the 800 block of Quince Orchard Boulevard when the suspect approached from behind. The suspect pushed the victim to the ground, stole a purse, and fled on foot. Investigation to continue.

Suspect - Black female, 5′05″, heavy build with “tummy pouch” from recent baby, white shirt with possible writing, and black sweatpants with possible stripe down the side.


Monday, May 19, 2008

Burglary

On 05/19/08, at approximately 12:10 a.m., police responded to Rachel Carson Elementary School. The school alarm was going off. The suspects had climbed on the roof and then entered the building through an unlocked door. Property was taken. The three suspects were arrested on site.

May 23rd, 2008

Recent City Police Crime Reports

From the City’s website:


Saturday, May 17, 2008

Attempted Burglary

On 05/17/08, at 10:50 a.m., police responded for an attempted burglary that just occurred in the 200 block of Brookes Avenue.

Suspect- Black male, wearing a winter coat and knit hat.

Attempted Robbery

On 05/17/08, at approximately 9:18 p.m., the victim was at the Lakeforest Transit Center when he was approached by the suspect. Witnesses say the suspect asked the victim a question and then assaulted him. No property was taken and a suspect has been identified.


Friday, May 16, 2008

Burglary

On 05/16/08, at 2:45 a m, police responded to the 500 block of Quince Orchard Road for a burglary that occurred earlier. Upon arrival, the front door was found pried open. A video showed the suspect prying open three cash registers and taking cash. Other property was taken also.

Suspect - Unknown race male, black mask, black hooded sweater, black pants, black shoes, and black gloves.


Thursday, May 15, 2008

Aggravated Assault

On 05/15/08, at approximately 6:01 a.m., police responded to the 400 block of N Frederick Avenue for the report of a stabbing that had occurred. The victim had been stabbed multiple times by a known suspect. During the assault the suspect was also stabbed. Both the victim and the suspect were transferred to a local hospital.

Attempted Robbery

On 05/15/08, at approximately 12:40 a.m., police responded to the parking lot of the Festival Shopping Center, in the 200 block of Muddy Branch Road, for the report of an assault. Two suspects approached the two victims and asked for money. When the victims refused, they were assaulted. The suspects fled without obtaining any property.

Suspect #1- Black male, 16-18 years of age, wearing dark clothing and carrying a backpack
Suspect #2- Black male, 16-18 years of age, wearing dark clothing


Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Armed Robbery

On 05/12/08, at approximately 10:40 p.m., police responded to the unit block of Timber Rock Road for the report of an armed robbery. Property was taken from two victims who were parked in a car.

Suspect #1- Black male, teenager, wearing a dark bandana and red hooded sweatshirt
Suspect #2- Black male, teenager
Suspect #3- Black male, teenager

May 11th, 2008

Recent City Police Crime Reports (updated)

From the City’s website:

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Attempted Burglary

On May 11, 2008 between 8:30 am and 11:00 am suspects attempted to gain entry into the Extreme retail establishment, located at 701 Russell Avenue. Entry was not gained.

Burglary

On May 11, 2008 between 8:30 am and 11:00 am suspects gained entry to Downtown Locker Room, located at 701 Russell Avenue. Entry was gained via the front roll down gates. Clothing and merchandise was taken. Investigation to continue

[Update:] On 05/11/08, between 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., unknown suspect(s) entered an apartment in the 400 block of Muddy Branch Road. Property was taken.


Saturday, May 10, 2008

Burglary

On 05/10/08 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:10 a.m. a known suspect burglarized an apartment in the unit block of School Drive. Property was taken and the investigation is on-going.

Rape

On 05/10/08 in the early morning hours, a rape occurred in the 800 Block of Quince Orchard Boulevard involving a known suspect. An arrest was made in the incident.


Friday, May 09, 2008

Burglary

Sometime between 03/22/08 at 2:00 p.m. and 05/08/08 at 2:15 p.m., and unknown suspect burglarized a residence in the 200 block of Booth Street. Property was taken.


Monday, May 05, 2008

Burglary

On 05/05/08, at approximately 3:30 p.m., police responded to the 200 block of Rabbit Road for the report of a burglary. A rear basement window had been forced open and property was taken.

On 05/05/08, at approximately 7:47 p.m., police responded to 615 S Frederick Avenue for a commercial alarm. Two offices within the building had the front doors forced open. The offices were ransacked but no property was taken.

Robbery

On 05/05/08, at approximately 10:35 p.m., police responded to the 400 block of Girard Street for the report of a robbery. The two suspects approached the victim from behind as he was walking. One of the suspects pointed a knife at the victim and the other suspect hit him in the face with his fist. The suspects left with out taking any property from the victim.

Suspect #1 - White male, 19-21 yrs old, wearing black jeans and a black shirt.
Suspect #2 - White male, 19-21 yrs old, wearing black pants and a black shirt.

May 5th, 2008

Recent City Police Crime Reports

From the City’s website:

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Robbery

On 05/03/08, at 12:30 p.m., police responded to the rear of Gaithersburg Middle School for the report of a robbery. The victim had property taken by force.

Suspect #1- Black male, 5′08″, 175 lbs, corn rows, thin lined beard, wearing grey pants and a black shirt.
Suspect #2 - Hispanic male,5′04″, 200 lbs, wearing a NY Yankees hat (white with red pin stripes).


Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Significant Events

On 04/30/08, at 4:00 p.m., Police and Fire units responded to 324 East Diamond Avenue for an active fire. East Diamond Avenue from North Summit Ave to Girard Street was shut down for about 4 hours while firefighters tended to the fire. Investigation of how the fire started is on-going.


Monday, April 28, 2008

Burglary

Sometime between 7:00 p.m. on 04/27/08 and 10:00 a.m. on 04/28/08 the Grog Beer and Wine Store at 464 N Frederick Avenue was burglarized. Entry was made by cutting a hole in the roof. Property was taken.


Friday, April 25, 2008

Burglary

On 04/25/08, at approximately 11:46 a.m., police responded to the unit block of Blue Ribbon Court for the report of a burglary. The resident was in the basement when she heard footsteps above her. The resident had left the front door unlocked. Things had been displaced but there was no property taken.

May 1st, 2008

More on increased trespassing enforcement on 355

Earlier this week, I linked to a story by Sebastian Montes in the Gazette about a joint effort between Gaithersburg Police and the State’s Attorney’s office to step up prosecution of “traditional crimes being committed that are destabilizing a community”, as Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy put it.

The police-prosecutor partnership, forged in recent months, has included outreach to both workers and contractors to encourage them to use the county center located on Crabbs Branch Way, about two miles from the most-used parking lots in Gaithersburg. Police give the workers repeated warnings and provide directions to the center. They also take workers’ photographs and compile identifying information in a database of known day laborers.

Today, aparently having read the Gazette, the Examiner had a story by Kathleen Miller, which gave a bit more detail on the legal instruments being used by the Police:

Gaithersburg Police Chief John King said 140 residential and commercial property owners throughout the city have signed papers giving police the authority to ban repeat trespassers. According to King, 53 of the business are located along Maryland Route 355, where many day laborers gather for work.

Gaithersburg Council Member Cathy Drzyzgula said she testified about the negative effect of trespassing at the trial of one defendant who was cited after being found three times on a property.

“This is a question of behavior, not race, which is often thrown out,” [Drzyzgula] said. “Some business owners see these people as customers, others see them as people who drive customers away because large gatherings of people can be intimidating.”

Having read the Examiner, Channel 7 posted an excerpt of that story on their website, and then had a video report on the 5:00 news. They also have a poll, asking “Should local police agencies be involved in dealing with illegal immigrants?”. As I write this, the response is running 81% YES, with 576 votes counted.

I should also note that both the Gazette and Examiner stories point out that this is not just going on in Gaithersburg; the Montgomery County Police are engaging in similar efforts in Wheaton and Silver Spring.