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Thursday, March 31, 2011

PGPD Announces Arrests in the Homicide of a University of Maryland Student

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit has arrested 22 year-old Stephan Weaver and 23 year-old Deandre Ricardo Williams in the homicide of 22 year-old Justin Vance Desha-Overcash that occurred in College Park, Maryland.


On January 11, 2011 at approximately 11:27 a.m., patrol officers responded to the 8800 block of 38th Avenue for a report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they discovered Desha-Overcash, of the 8800 block of 38th Avenue in College Park, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

During the course of the investigation, Detectives identified Weaver, of the 2600 block of Kinderbrook Lane, Bowie, and Williams, of the 5800 block of Field Place, N.E. in Washington, D.C., as suspects in the case. Detectives have determined the motive to be robbery. Both suspects have been charged with First-Degree Murder. Weaver has been remanded to the Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, Maryland on a no bond status. Williams was arrested in Washington, D.C. with the assistance of the Metropolitan Police Department and is currently awaiting extradition.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (301) 772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411 TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online. There is a $25,000 reward being offered for any information in this case.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

"Update" PGPD Announces Arrests in Homicide on Seat Pleasant Drive

Prince George’s County Maryland… The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit has arrested 22 year-old Ricardo Lamar Barton, 23 year-old Desmond Elijah Garner and 22 year-old Gregg Jamar Starks, III in connection with the homicide of 38 year-old Paul Jason Bennett in Seat Pleasant, Maryland.

On March 29, 2011, Barton, of the 1 block of DC Village Lane, S.W. in Washington, D.C. and Garner, of the 7600 block of Green Willow Court in Landover, Maryland were arrested and charged with First Degree Murder and Robbery. Barton and Garner have been remanded to the Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, Maryland on a no bond status. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Starks, of the 3400 block of Curtis Drive in Temple Hills, Maryland, charging him with First Degree Murder and Robbery. He was arrested in Washington, D.C. with the assistance of the Metropolitan Police Department and is currently awaiting extradition.

On March 27, 2011 at approximately 8:29 p.m., Paul Jason Bennett was making a Domino’s pizza delivery in the 6800 block of Seat Pleasant Drive when he was robbed and shot. Bennett was pronounced dead a short time later at a local hospital.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (301) 772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411 TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online.



34th Annual Public Safety Valor Awards

34 Valor Awards Employee Flyer (2)

Saturday, March 26, 2011

PGPD Announces Arrest in Homicide on 23rd Parkway

Prince George’s County Maryland… The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit has arrested 29 year-old James Allen Payne in connection with the homicide of 31 year-old Gregory Lucious Lawton Jr. in Temple Hills, Maryland.


On March 24, 2011 at approximately 9:35 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 4400 block of 23rd Parkway for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Lawton Jr., of the 4400 block of 23rd Parkway, lying in the entrance of a building suffering from gunshot wounds. Lawton Jr. was pronounced dead on the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Lawton Jr. and Payne were involved in a neighbor dispute during which Payne produced a handgun and shot the victim. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Payne charging him with 1st Degree Murder.

On March 25, 2011 Payne, of the 4400 block of 23rd Parkway, turned himself into the Prince George’s County Police Department. He has been charged with 1st Degree Murder. Payne has been remanded to the Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, Maryland on a no bond status.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (301) 772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411 TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

1 dead, 2 hurt in Suitland shooting

Article from TBD.COM




One person is dead and two others in grave condition after what authorities believe may have been a robbery gone wrong in Suitland.
Investigators say shots were fired around 4:30 a.m. Thursday in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 2900 block of Victory Lane, located in the new Windsor Crossing subdivision.
Police found two males with gunshot wounds, one of them was pronounced dead at the scene and the other was taken to a local hospital in grave condition. Both were wearing masks covering their faces.
Police say the men may have attempted to rob a man and woman sitting in a car along Victory Lane, but instead, the victim opened fire on the suspects. 
During the shootout, police say a female was shot in the head and driven to a Southeast D.C. police station, near 27th Street, for medical help. When she arrived at the station, police say she was breathing but unconscious. The victim is now out of surgery for her injuries, but remains in grave condition at the hospital, officials say.
Evidence found at the scene in Suitland suggests that a gun battle occurred, authorities say. Investigators are questioning individuals who may have information about the incident.
Police are looking for two male suspects in a gray mid-size car with dark tinted windows. Investigators say the vehicle might be a Ford Taurus.
The investigation is ongoing.
Article from TBD.COM


Wednesday, March 23, 2011

PGPD to Partner with DEA for Second Nationwide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day in April

Prince George’s County Maryland… The Prince George’s County Police Department will be participating in a nationwide initiative seeking to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. On Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M., the Prince George’s County Police Department, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction.


The Prince George’s County Police Department will have three collection points across the County to include:

• District I Station at 5000 Rhode Island Avenue in Hyattsville

• District III Station at 7600 Barlowe Road in Palmer Park

• District IV Station at 5135 Indian Head Highway in Oxon Hill

The Prescription Drug Take-Back program addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. The D.E.A. cites studies that show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from a home medicine cabinet. In addition, many citizens do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

This event will offer the opportunity for the community to surrender any expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. For more information, contact the Community Services Division at (301) 909-7126 or go to http://www.dea.gov/ .

Pedestrian Involved in Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash in Fort Washington Still Unidentified

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit (CARU) is asking for the public assistance in identifying a pedestrian who was fatally struck in a Hit-and-Run Crash in Fort Washington, Maryland.

On January 3, 2011, at approximately 7:49 a.m., a passing motorist alerted authorities of a body alongside Indian Head Highway near Old Fort Road. When officers arrived, they found an adult female lying in a grassy area on the shoulder of the roadway. The victim was found with extensive trauma to her body, consistent with a pedestrian collision. Prince George’s County Fire and EMS personnel pronounced the victim dead on the scene.

The victim’s identity remains unknown at this time. She is described as a black female, approximately 50 years of age, around 5’5” tall and 120 lbs. She was wearing a light blue jacket, blue jeans, and black shoes.

Preliminary investigation revealed the victim was walking along the southbound shoulder of Indian Head Highway just past Old Fort Road when she was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on Indian Head Highway. CARU investigators are seeking information from anyone who may have information on the victim’s identity as well as anyone who may have witnessed or been in the area at the time of the collision.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at (301) 731-4422. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411 TIPS (8477) or text "PGPD plus your message" to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online. A cash reward is being offered for the tip that leads to the arrest and indictment of the suspect(s). The investigation is ongoing.

Blue Alert Advisory

Prince George's County Police Chief Mark Magaw will also be attending this event.
BLUE ALERT ADVISORY

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Identity of Suspects Sought in BB&T Attempt Bank Robbery

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individuals wanted in connection with an attempt robbery of the BB&T Bank in Forestville, Maryland.

On March 21st, at approximately 1:30 p.m., two suspects walked into the BB&T Bank located in the 3400 block of Donnell Drive posing as customers.  Once inside, the second suspect remained in the lobby while the first suspect approached the teller and passed a note demanding money.  The victim immediately activated an alarm which made the suspects flee the bank, making good their escape.

The first suspect is described as a black male, 5’5” – 5’9” tall, weighing approximately 130 pounds. The second suspect is described as a black male, 5’9” – 5’11” tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds.   

Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit at 301-772-4905.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online.  Surveillance camera photos of the suspect are attached.



Crime Solvers BBT Attempt Bank Robbery 11-080-1226

Monday, March 21, 2011

Commericial Armed Robbery of Big Z's Liquors

Big Z Liquor Store Robbery
Crime Solvers Reward Poster 11-077-3521

Fallen Hero - Officer John W. Leatherbury, Jr.






       Let us pause to remember our Fallen Hero, Officer John W. Leatherbury, Jr., lost this day in 1968 in a departmental helicopter accident in King Sector.

       Ofc. Leatherbury was born on October 10, 1941.  He was raised in Anne Arundel County, Maryland and upon graduating from high school, served with honor and distinction in the United States Navy.  Ofc. Leatherbury joined the Prince George's County Police Department in 1965 and was assigned to the Seat Pleasant Station.  In March, 1968, Ofc. Leatherbury was one of five officers to volunteer for an experimental aviation program.  The three week program was a partnership between the Department and the Hughes Aircraft Company to evaluate the feasibility of the Department forming a permanent aviation unit.

       On the evening of March 21, 1968, the departmental aircraft responded to assist patrol units with a call for a possible breaking and entering in progress at a bank in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland.  Once the incident was determined to be unfounded, the aircraft attempted to depart the scene at which point it struck an overhead powerline.  The aircraft then plummeted and crashed into the upper level of the Iverson Mall parking garage at 3737 Branch Ave., killing Ofc. Leatherbury as well as the civilian pilot.

       Ofc. Leatherbury served the Prince George's County Police Department for three years and was the fifth member of this Agency to make the Ultimate Sacrifice.  He was the sixth law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this Profession within Prince George's County, Maryland.

       At the time of his death, Officer John W. Leatherbury, Jr. was 26 years old and survived by his wife.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

PGPD is Looking for Suspects Involved in Armed Robbery in Lanham, Maryland

The Prince George’s County Police Department is working to identify the suspects shown in this surveillance photograph. On March 6, 2011, at 4:06 p.m., the suspects committed an armed robbery at the Auto Zone store located in the 9400 block of Lanham Severn Road in Lanham.

Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is asked to call CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-TIPS (8477) or CID-Robbery Unit at 301-772-4905 as soon as possible.  Whenever information is given to the Prince George’s County Crime Solvers Line, you do not have to leave your name. A REWARD of up to $1000.00 is being offered for the tip that leads to the arrest and indictment of the suspects responsible for this robbery.

PGPD Teams with H.N.L.E.A. to Present “Best Practices When Stopped by Police” Forum

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department and the Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association (H.N.L.E.A.) hosted the “Best Practices When stopped By the Police” forum.


The forum’s objective was to educate the community on what to expect when encountered by law enforcement. The forum helped familiarize people with law enforcement concerns, as well as, practices to help avoid needless misunderstandings. During this event, the differences between the practices used by Prince George’s County Police Officers and a local security company that operates in the Langley Park area were highlighted. The forum explained the differences in legal authority and what police officers, as well as, security officers expect.

Approximately 50 people attended the forum and were very receptive to the topics discussed. Residents expressed a desire for similar events in the future.

For more information, call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Press Information Office at (301) 772-4710.


Photos Courtesy of the Prince George's County Police Department 

PGPD to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint for St. Patrick’s Day Holiday

Prince George’s County, Maryland… The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Operations Division and the University of Maryland Police Department will conduct a joint Sobriety Checkpoint and DUI patrol enforcements in College Park on Thursday, March 17, 2011 as part of a safe St. Patrick’s Day Holiday.

As motorists and pedestrians celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day Holiday, the focus will be making sure they arrive to and from their destinations safely.  Each year drunk driving is a major cause of injury and fatal collisions and we want to encourage those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol to designate a sober driver if they choose to drink.

The Prince George’s County Police Department would like to remind all those who plan on celebrating during the St. Patrick's Day festivities to drink responsibly.  Following these easy steps, you can enjoy a safe St. Patrick's Day without jeopardizing your life and the lives of others: 

            • Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
            • Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public     transportation so you are sure to get home safely
            • Call the SoberRide program at 1-800-200-TAXI (8294) for a free cab ride home
 
Members of the news media are invited to attend.  If you would like to attend, please contact the Press Information Office on March 16, 2011 for the exact time and location.    

Monday, March 14, 2011

A Memorial Service in Honor of our Fallen Brother, Robert Hernandez

Cpl. Robert Hernandez
A memorial service in honor of our fallen brother, Robert Hernandez, will be held on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 1300 hours. 

The location of the service will be the Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery located at 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20632. The cemetery is located on U.S. Route 301, approximately 8 miles south of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.  

Corporal Hernandez was killed in 2006 while serving in Iraq.  A Staff Sergeant with the US Army, Robert Hernandez was killed in Al Taquaddum, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations.

Attire will be uniform of the day.

All members are invited and encouraged to attend. Please contact Corporal Miceli in the event you may have any questions.

Special Recognition for Corporal Aaron L. Smith

Please join the Special Operations Division, Aviation Section in recognizing Corporal Aaron L. Smith #2495 for his exceptional service to our country.

Corporal Smith, a Major in the United States Army Reserve and members of Company B, 5th Battalion, 159th GSAB were awarded the “United States Army Reserve Aviation Unit of the Year Award” by the Army Aviation Association of America (QUAD-A).   

The award reads in part:

 “The Soldiers of B/5-159th General Support Aviation Battalion (Freight Train) distinguished themselves from September 28, 2009 to September 27, 2010 while deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 10-12.  Freight Train Soldiers flew over 5,500 hours averaging over  80 hours per airframe per month, conducted more than 1000 combat operations, delivered over 7,056,000 pounds of cargo, and 552,000 pounds external sling load. They transported over 50,000 troops, Iraqi forces and contractors throughout their area of operation.”

Corporal Smith is currently on active duty and is assigned to Company B, 5th Battalion, 159th GSAB Fort Eustis, Virginia.  

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

PGPD Police Athletic League to Host Spring Break Mini-Camp

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Police Athletic League will host a Spring Break Mini-Camp in Glenarden, Maryland.


This three day, co-ed, mini-camp is geared to youth from the ages of 11-18. This camp will teach the fundamentals of flag football and cheerleading as well as feature workshops on nutrition, leadership, college readiness and much more.

Participants will need to bring a bag lunch for the first two days of camp and on the final day campers will spend the afternoon at Dave & Buster’s.

There will be a $20 fee per camper to cover daily snacks and lunch at Dave & Buster’s.

Space is limited for this event. Please RSVP by April 11, 2011.



Event: Spring Break Flag Football & Cheerleading Camp

When: April 18th, 19th & 20th

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Where: Glenarden Woods Elementary School

7801 Glenarden Parkway

Glenarden, Maryland 20706



For more information contact the Community Services Division at (301) 909-7126.

Fallen Hero - Corporal Thomas Paul Jensen (03/09/10)

       
        Let us pause to remember our Fallen Hero, Corporal Thomas Paul Jensen #2853, lost this day in 2010 as a result of injuries sustained 10 days earlier while responding to an emergency call for service in Baker Sector.

       Cpl. Jensen, affectionately known as 'Tommy', was born on May 26, 1982 at Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly, Maryland.  He was raised in Hyattsville, Maryland and attended DeMatha Catholic High School, graduating in the year 2000.  Cpl. Jensen joined the Prince George's County Police Department on September 20, 2004, as a member of Session #103, following in the footsteps of his father, retired Sgt. Thomas Jensen.  Upon completion of his Academy training, Cpl. Jensen was assigned to District I, Squad 42.  He subsequently served in the District I Investigative Section and on Squad 52, where he received the Department's Award of Merit for his key role in the June 20, 2008, apprehension of two armed robbery suspects.  On November 8, 2009, Cpl. Jensen began what would prove to be his final assignment when he was transferred to Squad 22.  He immediately established himself as an integral member of our unit, a leader among his colleagues, and a mentor to young squad members who were in the opening chapters of their careers.

       On the morning of February 27, 2010, members of Squad 22 were dispatched to a breaking & entering in progress on Kenilworth Avenue in which the suspect was under the influence of PCP.  Cpl. Jensen immediately volunteered for the assignment and proceeded southbound on Baltimore Avenue towards the location of incident.  At 0655 hours, as he crossed the overpass to University Boulevard in College Park, Maryland, Cpl. Jensen's police vehicle struck a patch of ice, causing him to lose control and strike a utility pole.  He was transported to Prince George's Hospital Center with severe injuries to his head, neck, and respiratory system as a result of the single vehicle collision.   Cpl. Jensen courageously battled his injuries for the next ten days before succumbing at 2122 hours on the evening of March 9, 2010.  

       Cpl. Jensen served the Prince George's County Police Department for 5 1/2 years and was the 26th member of this Agency to make the Ultimate Sacrifice.  He was the 49th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this Profession within Prince George's County, Maryland.

       At the time of his death, Corporal Thomas Paul Jensen was 27 years old and survived by his wife of four months, Kristelle, and his parents.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Police Seek Assistance in Locating Suspect in Robbery of 71 Year-Old Woman (Video and Pictures Attached)


Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s District III Investigative Section is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Jonah Iman wanted in connection with the strong armed robbery and assault of a 71 year-old woman in District Heights, Maryland.

On February 25, 2011, at approximately 9:20 a.m., the 71 year-old victim was at the Cigarette Discount store, located in the 5700 block of Silver Hill Road, when the suspect entered the store posing as a customer. The suspect then grabbed the victim’s purse, which was slung over her arm, causing her to fall over as he fled the store on foot. The victim sustained fractures to her knee cap, a broken finger, bruised ribs, and several abrasions to her hands.

Detectives quickly identified 32 year-old Jonah Salih-Khalil Iman, of the 2200 block of Shadyside Avenue, Suitland, from surveillance video obtained from the store. A warrant has been issued for Iman’s arrest. He is described as 5’6”, weighing approximately 160lbs, with neck-length corn rows, and a tear drop tattoo under his left eye.

Anyone with information about the robbery or the suspect is urged to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s District III Investigative Section at 301-772-4910. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online.





Tuesday, March 1, 2011

PGPD Make Two Arrests in Commercial Armed Robberies in College Park

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit has made two arrests in connection with multiple commercial armed robberies in College Park, Maryland.

On February 25, 2011, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Derek Sean Waddy, 29, of the 9900 block of 51st Avenue in College Park, was arrested in connection with several armed robberies in College Park, Maryland. After further investigation a second suspect, William Edward Patton Jr., 34, of the 9700 block of 52nd Avenue College Park, was arrested a day later.

Waddy and Patton have been charged with armed robbery and remanded to the Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. They are being held on a no bond status for their involvement in the robberies of a Pizza Hut and the College Park Diner both located in the 9200 block of Baltimore Avenue.

In both robberies the suspects displayed a handgun and demanded money from the cash register. The victims in both cases complied and gave the arrested an undetermined amount of cash before fleeing the scene on foot.

For more information contact the Press Information Office at (301) 772-4710. Photos of the arrested are attached.