PGPD Seeks Assistance in Locating Critical Missing Person

*Update, early on November 1, 2012, Mr Dennis was found in good health and returned home.

82 year-old Alfred Ellis Dennis

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the public’s help in finding a critical missing person identified as 82 year-old Alfred Ellis Dennis. He was last seen on October 30, 2012, around 2:00 pm, as he drove away from his home in the 100 block of Pepper Mill Drive in Capitol Heights. He was driving a black Jeep Patriot with Maryland tag 40437CE.

Dennis is a black male, 5’9”,150 pounds, with white hair and a beard. He was last seen wearing a bluish gray windbreaker with blue jeans. Dennis suffers from heart problems and has not taken his medication.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Prince George's County Police Department’s District III Investigative Section at (301) 772-4911.

PGPD District I Events Cancelled

For members of the media and/or local citizens who planned on attending the Community Forum on November 1, 2012 at 7 pm and/or the Bike-A-Long event on November 3, 2012 at 10 am, they have been cancelled.  Both events were being hosted by the Prince George's County Police Department's District I COPS officers.  Should either event be rescheduled, we will post the information here.

PGPD Hosts Bike-A-Long

*Update*  This event has been cancelled.

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s District I Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and the University of Maryland Police Department officers are holding a community bike ride.   The course will run three miles through College Park.

It will begin at Jason's Deli on Baltimore Avenue and end at the 7-Eleven in the 8900 block of Rhode Island Avenue. Come out and join us for an opportunity to meet your neighbors, community leaders and COPS officers. Light refreshments will be provided at the 7-Eleven.

Who:              Prince George’s County Police Department’s District I COPS Officers

                       University of Maryland Police Department

When:            Saturday, November 3, 2012

Time:             10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Where:           Jason’s Deli (starting point)

                       7356 Baltimore Avenue

                       College Park, Maryland

PGPD Honors Officers of the Month

Prince George’s County Police officers hit the streets every day to serve the community and each month the department honors examples of this hard work.  We’d like to introduce you to the Officers of the Month for September.

District I Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer Yordy Diaz

On September 22, 2012, Police Officer Diaz’s actions led to the arrest of three armed robbery suspects.  Police Officer Diaz responded to Ager Road and Tuckerman Street for a citizen armed robbery. Two suspects had entered the victim’s moving vehicle as she was slowing down, while a third suspect waited in another vehicle.   As one suspect went through the victim’s purse and stole her cash and other property, another suspect held a gun to the victim’s head and threatened her life. The suspects then fled in a Toyota Corolla. While Police Officer Diaz interviewed the victim and broadcast a lookout, the suspects returned to the area.  Police Officer Diaz immediately chased the suspects and arrested them.

Police Officer Yordy Diaz - District I

District II Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer Jeffrey Hamilton Jr.

Police Officer Hamilton initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a minor motor vehicle violation. As he approached the vehicle, he could smell the strong odor of marijuana. During a search of the vehicle, Police Officer Hamilton found several baggies of suspected marijuana in a hidden compartment behind the radio console. The driver was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute. It was also determined that the vehicle matched the description of a vehicle that fled from police earlier in the month and its driver had thrown a stolen handgun from the car.

Police Officer Jeffrey Hamilton - District II

District III Police Officer of the Month

Corporal John Wynkoop

Corporal John Wynkoop’s actions on September 1, 2012,  led to the arrest of a burglary suspect. Police officers were called to the 2100 block of East Wilson Place in Landover. As Corporal Wynkoop drove down East Wilson Place, he spotted a person matching the suspect’s description running away from the noted address. Corporal Wynkoop began chasing the suspect.  Additional officers responded to the area and established a perimeter. Corporal Wynkoop continued to chase the suspect through the neighborhood. At one point, he lost sight of the of the suspect but did not give up searching.  He found the suspect hiding under a vehicle in the 2000 block of East Marshall Place.

Corporal John Wynkoop - District III

District IV Police Officers of the Month

Police Officer First Class Tyisha Gage

Police Officer First Class Timothy Glover III

Police Officer Stephen Downey

On September 4, 2012, the actions of these police officers led to the arrest of two armed robbery suspects. They were conducting a premise check in the area of Branch Avenue and Curtis Drive when they spotted a man armed with a handgun in the parking lot of Danny’s Carryout. Upon approaching the individual, the police officers determined he and an additional suspect were attempting to carry out a citizen armed robbery. The suspects saw the police and tried to get away in a black Acura.  The suspect vehicle struck a curb on Branch Avenue at Naylor Road where it became disabled.  The police officers were able to catch one of the suspects at the scene of the accident. The second suspect ran away but was caught at the entrance to the Naylor Road Metro.  Two handguns were recovered from the suspect vehicle and both suspects were charged with robbery.

Police Officer First Class Tyisha Gage - District IV 

Police Officer Stephen Downey - District IV

Police Officer First Class Timothy Glover - District IV

District V Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer Julius Askins

Police Officer Steven White

The actions of Police Officers Askins and White on September 11, 2012, led to the arrest of a bank robbery suspect. While on routine patrol in the 6300 block of Kirby Road, the police officers responded to the M&T Bank for a robbery in progress. Upon arrival, the police officers saw the suspect fleeing the scene on a bicycle. They were able to catch the suspect, recover the money and the handgun used in the robbery. Due to their rapid response and immediate actions, a robbery suspect was taken off the streets of Prince George’s County.

Police Officer Julius Askins - District V

Police Officer Steven White - District V

District VI Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer Matthew Vollono

Police Officer Vollono’s actions on September 26, 2012, led to the arrest of three robbery suspects. He responded to the 13100 block of Mistletoe Springs Road in Laurel for a report of an armed robbery.  Upon arrival, he entered the building and heard what he believed to be a violent struggle in a third floor apartment.  Police Officer Vollono knocked on the door and identified himself as a police officer and received no response.  Police Officer Vollono then established an inner perimeter, took up a tactical position and waited for the suspects to leave the building.  A few minutes later, two suspects left the apartment, one from the balcony and one from the window.  Disregarding his own safety, the officer chased and arrested one of the suspects behind the building. The other suspect was caught by Sergeant Glenn Long.  During the search of the victim’s apartment, a gun, marijuana, crack cocaine, and over $5000 were found, leading to the arrest of the victim.  Due to Police Officer Vollono’s quick response, good tactics, and thorough on-scene investigation, three felons were removed from District VI.

Police Officer Matthew Vollono - District VI

PGPD to Hold Car Seat Check in Beltsville

The Prince George’s County Police Department and the Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union will conduct a car seat check on Saturday, November 3, 2012, at the credit union’s Beltsville location. The event is free and open to the public.


Certified car seat technicians will check for recalls, ensure that child passenger car seats and boosters are installed properly and that the harness and vehicle installation are correct for the child. The Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union will replace the first five car seats that have been recalled or are unsafe. All car seats must be installed upon arrival. If possible, please bring the manufacturer’s manuals for the vehicle and car seat with you. Appointments are not necessary.


Who:         Prince George’s County Police Department
                 Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union
                 Maryland Kids In Safety Seats (KISS)

When:       Saturday, November 3, 2012

Time:         9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Where:      Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union
                 6985 Muirkirk Meadows Road
                 Beltsville, MD


For more information, please contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Media Relations Division at 301-772-4710.

PGPD Investigates Fatal Accident in Capitol Heights

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a fatal accident that killed a Capitol Heights man. It happened around 1:30 am near Nova Avenue and Rail Street in Capitol Heights on October 30th.

The preliminary investigation reveals 35 year-old Aaron Jerome Smith of the 4300 block of Torque Street left his home to help a friend change a flat tire on a Dodge Caravan. Smith had the Caravan up on a jack and was trying to get a spare tire out from underneath the vehicle. The spare would not come down. It appears Smith tried to pull off the spare tire and the jack shifted and it fell on him. Smith’s friend did try to rescue Smith but was unsuccessful. Smith died at the scene. Detectives do not believe the death is storm related.

For more information, please contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Media Relations Division.

UPDATE-PGPD Charges Woman for Making False Report

Deborah Fashakin, 33

The Prince George's County Police Department has charged 33 year-old Deborah Fashakin of the 6800 block of Walker Mill Road in Capitol Heights with making a false report to a law enforcement officer. 

 Fashakin reported that her children were inside her stolen car in order to obtain a faster police response after her car had been stolen from a gas station in the 6400 block of Central Avenue Sunday evening.

Fashakin is being held on a $5,000 bond. The charge carries a penalty of six months in jail and a $ 5,000 fine.  

Update on Investigation of Auto Theft/Abducted Children

The black Nissan Altima from the alleged child abduction has been recovered in the District of Columbia, and the children in question have all been accounted for.  The investigation is ongoing, but Detectives from the Prince George's County Police Department now believe that the complainant falsely claimed her children were in the vehicle to obtain faster police response.  The complainant in this incident will be charged with making a false police report.  Any further updates regarding this incident will be available after 7:00 am on October 29, 2012.

For more information, please contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Media Relations Division at 301-772-4710 after 7:00 am.

PGPD Searching for Auto Theft/Child Abduction Suspect

UPDATE: An Amber Alert has been issued for the black Nissan Altima, MD tags 8AL7618. Please call 911 if you see the vehicle.

The Prince George's County Police Department is investigating an auto theft that involves the abduction of three children ages 1, 3, and 5. A short time ago while a woman was pumping gas, a suspect jumped into her vehicle and drove away with the three children inside. Investigators will be issuing an Amber Alert through the Maryland State Police shortly. We are asking that anyone coming into contact with a black Nissan Altima with MD tags 8AL7618 contact 911. Major George Nader is en route to address the media.

 

Who:        Major George Nader, Commander District III

 

When:      Today, October 28, 2012

 

Time:        by 11pm

 

Where:      Central Ave/Ritchie Rd @ the Liberty Gas Station                 
                Seat Pleasant MD

PGPD Provides Safety Tips for Potential Severe Weather

The Prince George’s County Police Department wants to help our community prepare for Hurricane Sandy.  The massive storm is expected to reach our area this weekend or early next week.  The National Weather Service is reporting the hurricane has extremely dangerous winds that can cause extensive damage.  Heavy rain is expected throughout the weather event.

To help the PGPD coordinate a response, we are asking the public to report the locations of intersections that are suffering from non-working traffic lights, downed wires, or any other traffic-related hazards.  To report these locations, please call 311 or visit http://countyclick.princegeorgescountymd.gov.

We will actively monitor the storm and its aftermath.  We encourage you to join the conversation and information exchange by using hashtags #PGPD and #Sandy on Twitter.  Your information and pictures can also be tweeted to @PGPDNews.

The Prince George’s County Police Department offers the following tips to ensure your safety: 

• Follow @PGPDNews on Twitter to track news and alerts from PGPD.
• Stock and/or re-stock emergency supply kits (including extra batteries, etc.).
• Do not wait until Sunday evening to do your shopping.
• Clean out gutters, storm drains, etc. (keeping drains clear of trash, leaves and branches) so rainwaters can easily flow, reducing possible flooding and ponding situations.
• Keep up to date with local conditions – follow TV and radio reports from your area.
• Visit www.weather.gov, (http://mobile.weather.gov on your phone) for the latest forecast.
• Remember food safety – power outages and flooding may happen as a result of a tropical storm or hurricane, so have a plan for keeping food safe. Have a cooler on hand to keep food cold, and group food together in the freezer so it stays cold longer.
• Have an adequate communication plan - be sure friends and family know how to contact you. Remember that text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call can’t get through.
• Do not travel during the storm unless for emergency.
• Keep in mind, hurricanes bring heavy rains, storm surges, and possible flooding events. Avoid walking or driving through any flooded areas.
• It takes only six inches of fast-moving flood water to knock over an adult and two feet to move a vehicle. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!  Find another route if you approach a flooded road.
• Treat all intersections without power as a 4-way stop.  See video below for more info.

Latest Sandy forecast from the National Hurricane Center

On your computer: www.hurricanes.gov

On your phone: http://hurricanes.gov/mobile

On Twitter: www.twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/US.NOAA.NationalHurricaneCenter.gov

PGPD Searches for Suspects Using Stolen Credit Card Information

The Prince George's County Police Department is searching for the two suspects seen in the above surveillance photographs wanted for credit card theft and fraud.

The preliminary investigation reveals the suspects used stolen credit card information to make purchases at several businesses in a strip mall in the 8800 block of Woodyard Road in Clinton. The incident in the surveillance photos took place September 29, 2012, between the hours of 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm. The card was also used in Bowie and Bladensburg.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the Prince George's County Police Department's Special Enforcement Division/Organized Retail Crime Unit at 301-699-2666. Callers can remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. You may also text "PGPD plus your crime tip" to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online. Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment in this case.

Individuals Indicted for Involvement in POFC Morris' Death

Prince George’s County Chief of Police Mark Magaw and Prince George's  State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks  held a press conference at 4:30 p.m. today in Upper Marlboro and gave an update on the investigation of the death of Police Officer First Class Morris.

Ms. Alsobrooks presented evidence to the Grand Jury which lead to the indictment of Kevon Neal and Kenneth Mitchell.

Neal and Mitchell were previously charged with Theft over $10,000 and related charges.  Neal has now also been charged with vehicular manslaughter and fleeing and eluding.

Both individuals are currently in custody. Neal is being held at the Prince George's County Department of Corrections.  Mitchell is being held in the District of Columbia.

PGPD Offers Safety Tips for Halloween

In an effort to prepare for a safe Halloween, the Prince George’s County Police Department will be conducting high visibility patrols to ensure children, parents, and motorists arrive safely to and from their destinations.  Commanders at each patrol district will also be utilizing Special Assignment and Robbery Suppression Teams to increase the presence of uniformed officers in residential neighborhoods.

To help parents and children have a safe and enjoyable Halloween, we offer the following safety tips:

For Trick-or-Treaters and Parents: 

• Wear a costume that makes it easy for you to walk in and to be seen in.
• An adult should always accompany smaller children.
• Older children should travel in groups.
• Know the route your child intends to take, and set a time that they should return home.
• Carry a flashlight and make sure that some sort of reflective material is incorporated into the costume.
• Utilize sidewalks when available and try to stay in well-lit areas. Never dart out between parked cars. Always cross at corners and crosswalks.
• An outside light on front of a house is usually a sign that trick-or-treaters are welcome. Avoid going to houses that are not lit. 

For Traveling Motorists:

• Drive slowly! Be aware that young trick-or-treaters may dart out from between parked cars.
• Do not drive a vehicle while wearing a mask of any sort. Your visibility could be obscured.
• Stop at all crosswalks. 

Please do not drink and drive.  Should you need a ride, please call the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) Sober Ride free cab service program between the hours of 10:00 pm on Wednesday, October 31 and 4:00 am on Thursday, November 1 at 1-800-200-TAXI.  Find more info at www.soberride.com.