PGPD Honors Officers of the Month

January 2013 Patrol Officers of the Month

Each and every day, Prince George’s County Police officers suit up to serve our community.  Too often their good work goes unnoticed.  Here are our patrol officers of the month for January. 

District I Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer Michael Meta

On January 27, 2013, Police Officer Michael Meta responded to the 7400 block of Baltimore Avenue for the report of a robbery in progress at a restaurant.  Once on scene, Police Officer Meta spotted the suspects and gave chase while advising the other responding units of the suspects’ locations.  Police Officer Meta caught one suspect.  The other two suspects were caught as well.  The investigation reveals the three suspects had attacked and robbed a victim in front of the restaurant and then stole his property.  The stolen property was recovered.

Police Officer Michael Meta

District II Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer Ricardo Watson

On January 25, 2013, Police Officer Ricardo Watson went to conduct a premise check at a convenience store in the 700 block of Harry S. Truman Drive in Largo.  He noticed two suspicious males inside the store who immediately left the business upon spotting the patrol officer.  As they drove away, Police Officer Watson noticed their truck had expired plates.  Police Officer Watson stopped the truck.  As he and other responding patrol officers approached, they smelled what they believed to be drugs coming from the vehicle.  The two suspects were ordered out of the truck.  During a pat down of one of the suspects, Police Officer Watson felt a gun handle in the suspect’s waistband.  Police Officer Watson yelled “gun” to alert the other patrol officers, and the suspect was safely arrested without incident.  A loaded pistol and suspected marijuana were recovered.

Police Officer Ricardo Watson

District III Police Officer of the Month

Corporal Brian Butler

Police Officer James Robison

On January 19, 2013, Corporal Brian Butler and Police Officer James Robison responded to the area of Booker Terrace and Carrington Court in Landover for a loud music and possible drug activity complaint.  Once on scene, the two patrol officers approached a car playing loud music in front of 1250 Booker Terrace.  They spotted a handgun magazine sticking out from underneath the driver’s seat.  At that moment, one of the suspects ran away.  The patrol officers secured the remaining suspects and searched the vehicle.  They recovered a loaded 9mm Uzi.

Corporal Brian Butler

Police Officer James Robison

District IV Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer First Class Jason Borges-Garcia

Police Officer Christopher Wheeler

On January 12, 2013, Police Officer First Class Jason Borges-Garcia and Police Officer Christopher Wheeler responded to the 3700 block of Dunlap Street in an effort to find a suspect wanted by a neighboring jurisdiction.  Upon arrival, the two patrol officers saw a man standing at the front door of a residence. When the man spotted the patrol officers, he began to frantically bang on the door.   The patrol officers then engaged the subject, who continued to act erratically.  As the patrol officers gave the suspect verbal commands, the man jumped from the front porch and tried to run away.  The suspect was quickly caught, but resisted the patrol officers efforts to arrest him. During the arrest, the suspect grabbed at his waistband and refused to stop resisting.  After a brief struggle, he was placed into custody.  A loaded pistol and a bottle of PCP were recovered from his pocket.

Police Officer First Class Jason Borges-Garcia

Police Officer Christopher Wheeler

District V Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer First Class Michael Waters

On January 5, 2013, Police Officer First Class Michael Waters noticed a man urinating in public in the 9100 block of Temple Hill Road.  The patrol officer approached the man who exhibited nervous behavior and was speaking incoherently.  Police Officer First Class Waters conducted a pat down and recovered a loaded handgun from the man’s front pocket.  Additional responding units spotted cocaine in plain view in the suspect’s car.  A further search turned up ammunition inside the vehicle.

Police Officer First Class Michael Waters

District VI Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer Daniel Siculietano

On January 30, 2013, Police Officer Daniel Siculietano responded to the 13000 block of Edinburgh Lane for a citizen robbery.  Officer Siculietano arrived within 3 minutes of receiving the call and spotted two men who matched the suspect descriptions broadcast by the dispatcher.  As the patrol officer approached the suspects, they began to run away. After a short chase, one of the suspects was caught.  That suspect had the victim’s property on him and he was arrested.

Police Officer Daniel Siculietano

PGPD Investigates Police-Involved Shooting in Seat Pleasant

Afolabi Ijaoba

Adrian Eugene Pitts

Updated 2/28/13: The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested two suspects in connection with a residential robbery in Seat Pleasant.  A responding patrol officer was forced to shoot her firearm after being confronted by armed suspects at the home.  Three guns were recovered from the scene.  The suspects are identified as 22-year-old Adrian Eugene Pitts and 19-year-old Afolabi Ijaoba.  Both live in the 1300 block of Dillon Court in Capitol Heights.  They are both charged with armed robbery, first degree burglary, first degree assault and other charges.  Pitts is being held on a no bond status.  Ijaoba’s bond is set at $70,000.

On February 27, 2013, at approximately 9:00 am, patrol officers received a 911 call to the 6900 block of Opal Place for a residential robbery in progress.  Patrol officers quickly arrived on scene and found signs of forced entry.  As the patrol officers took up positions around the home, the patrol officer at the rear of the home was confronted by an armed suspect.  Fearing for her life, the patrol officer discharged her firearm.  The suspect fled.  Detectives are following strong leads in an effort to identify him.  It is unknown if he sustained any injuries.  Detectives recovered two firearms from the scene.

A second suspect ran back inside the home, and was shortly thereafter arrested without incident.

At this time, detectives are working to determine the total number of suspects involved.  Additional suspects may still be outstanding.

The preliminary investigation reveals the suspects entered the home with the intention of robbing the residents.  Detectives believe this was a targeted act of violence.

The involved patrol officer is a six-year veteran assigned to the Bureau of Patrol.  She is currently on routine administrative leave.  The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Investigation Response Team (SIRT) at (301) 856-2660. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ to submit a tip online.

PGPD Welcomes New Explosives Detection K-9

The Prince George’s County Police Department's Special Operations Division is proud to introduce its newest member, K-9 "Slick".  Slick is a retired military war veteran who recently returned from Afghanistan after surviving two separate attacks.  Slick’s handler is Cpl. Scott Allen.

Slick is a five-year-old black Labrador Retriever.  He is an energetic dog with an incredible ability to hunt for and find explosives.  Many of the details of Slick's tours of duty in Afghanistan are classified, but we do know that he successfully found numerous improvised explosive devices (IED) and likely saved lives.  Slick did sustain injuries in the war zone.  While conducting an explosives sweep he was attacked by a group of feral dogs.  Several months later, an IED went off within three feet of Slick.  Slick fully recovered and completed both tours of duty.  He’s currently in training and will hit the streets in May.

PGPD to Hold Car Seat Check in Laurel

The Prince George’s County Police Department and the Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union will conduct a car seat check on Saturday.  The event is free and open to the public.

Certified car seat technicians will ensure that car seats and boosters are properly installed.  All cars seats must be installed upon arrival.  Appointments are not necessary.  Each car seat check takes about 30 minutes.  If possible, please bring the manufacturer’s manuals for the vehicle and car seat.

Who:              Prince George’s County Police Department

                        Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union

                        Laurel Volunteer Fire Department

                        Maryland Kids in Safety Seats (KISS)

When:            Saturday, March 2, 2013

Time:             10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Where:           Laurel Volunteer Fire Department

                        7411 Cherry Lane

                        Laurel, MD

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

PGPD Investigates Murder in Langley Park

Updated February 25: The victim is identified as 34 year-old Nicolas Antonio Gonzalez of the 8100 block of Riggs Rd in Langley Park.

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a murder in Langley Park.

On February 23, 2013, at approximately 5:00 am, police officers responded to the 8100 block of Riggs Road in Langley Park for a man down call. Upon arrival, police officers found an adult male suffering from stab wounds to his upper body. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Detectives are working to identify the suspect(s) and motive in this case.

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), 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.

Media Advisory: PGPD Chief Magaw to Announce Arrest in Marckel Ross Murder Investigation

Updated February 25, 2013:   Chief Magaw will announce the arrest of 20-year-old Travon Bennett of Bryans Road, Maryland, for the murder of Marckel Ross.  The Chief will also announce the arrest of 46-year-old James Alphonso Ward of Capitol Heights for the murder of 71-year-old Geraldine McIntyre.

Prince George’s County Police Chief Mark Magaw will announce an arrest in the murder of Marckel Ross.  The teenager was shot and killed on September 11, 2012, as he walked to school in Capitol Heights.  Chief Magaw will also announce an arrest in the murder of 71 year-old Geraldine McIntyre.  She was killed in her Capitol Heights home on February 9, 2013.

Any additional details regarding the arrests will be released through our social media sites tomorrow.  Please follow our Twitter handle @PGPDNews for the latest information. 

Who:    Prince George’s County Police Chief Mark Magaw

           Prince George's County State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks

When:  Monday, February 25, 2013

Time:  1:00 pm

Where: Police Services Complex (Multi-purpose room)

           7600 Barlowe Road

           Palmer Park, MD

Any media outlets planning to take this news conference live are please asked to reply to this email. For any questions, contact the Prince George’s County Media Relations Division at 301-772-4710. 

PGPD Arrests Suspect in Murder of Marckel Ross

The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested a suspect for the murder of Marckel Ross in Capitol Heights. The suspect is identified as 20 year-old Travon Donnell Bennett of the 6700 block of Amherst Road in Bryans Road, MD.

Travon Donnell Bennett

On September 11, 2012, at approximately 6:50 am, patrol officers were called to the 6100 block of Old Central Avenue for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, patrol officers found 18-year-old Ross suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body.  He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Investigative developments led detectives to identify Bennett as a suspect.  Detectives believe Ross was shot during a failed robbery.  Ross had been walking to school at the time of his murder.  Bennett is charged with first and second degree murder and related charges.  He is currently in the custody of the Department of Corrections.

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

PGPD Arrests Suspect in Murder of Geraldine McIntyre

The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested a suspect for the murder of Geraldine McIntyre in Capitol Heights.  The suspect is identified as 46-year-old James Alphonso Ward of the 1300 block of Chapel Lane in Capitol Heights.

James Alphonso Ward

On February 9, 2013, at approximately 3:00 pm, patrol officers responded to the 1200 block of Chapel Oaks Drive for a welfare check call. Upon arrival, patrol officers found McIntyre suffering from multiple stab wounds to her upper body.  She was taken to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The investigation revealed Ward murdered McIntyre then stole a television from her home.  The motive in the murder was burglary.

Ward is charged with first and second degree murder and related charges.  He was already in custody on an unrelated breaking and entering charge.  He remains in the custody of the Department of Corrections.

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

PGPD Investigates Murder in College Park

Updated: On February 25, 2013 at approximately 4:30 pm, this blog was mistakenly updated with incorrect information.  Please see this blog update for the correct victim/murder update.

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a murder in College Park.  The victim is identified as 20 year-old David Esequel Avelar of the 6600 block of 94^th Avenue in Lanham.

On February 24, 2013, at approximately 4:00 am, patrol officers were called to the 9100 block of Baltimore Avenue for the report of a shooting.  Upon arrival, patrol officers found Avelar suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.  Avelar was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The preliminary investigation reveals the murder appears gang-related. Avelar had been attending a party at a hotel on Baltimore Avenue. A fight broke out in the parking lot between the group the victim was with and a second group attending a separate party at the same hotel.  During that fight, Avelar was shot.

Detectives are working to identify the suspect(s) in this case.

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), 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.

PGPD Investigates Phone Scam

The Prince George’s County Police Department is issuing a consumer alert following the report of a phone scam that's targeted several county residents.  

During these phone calls, the scammer tells the victim that a family member has been hurt in a car accident.  The caller then threatens to hold the family member hostage until the victim on the phone wires money to cover damage to the car.  The caller also threatens harm to the family member if the victim hangs up.

Similar crimes have been reported in a neighboring jurisdiction and in states across the country.

Prince George's County Police detectives are actively investigating this scam. They are asking the public to immediately notify the PGPD should you become victim to this or a similar phone scam.

Please follow these tips if you suspect you might be victim to a phone scam:

• Never send money
• Never give out any personal information about yourself or your family
• Attempt to contact or account for the family member who is being threatened by the scammer
• Ask probing questions of the caller and gather as much information about them as possible
• Report the call to the police immediately by calling 911

Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to call the CID Robbery Unit at 301-772-4905.  Callers can remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You may also text “PGPD plus your tips” 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.

PGPD Arrests Suspect in Oxon Hill Murder

Kimberly Elaine Smith

The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested a suspect for a murder in Oxon Hill.  The suspect is identified as 28 year-old Kimberly Elaine Smith of the 1100 block of Kennebec Street in Oxon Hill.

On February 21, 2013, at approximately 11:55 pm, patrol officers responded to the 1100 block of Kennebec Street for the report of a stabbing.  Upon arrival, patrol officers found an adult male suffering from a stab wound to the chest.  The victim was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.  The victim is identified as 51 year-old Charles Blyther, Jr. of the 1200 block of Staples Street in Northeast Washington.

The preliminary investigation reveals Blyther was in a relationship with Smith's mother.  Blyther and Smith’s mother got into an argument inside the home.  That’s when Smith grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed Blyther.

Smith was taken into custody on scene.  She has admitted to her involvement in the murder.  Patrol officers recovered the murder weapon.  Smith is charged with second degree murder and related charges.  She is currently in the custody of the Department of Corrections.  

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

PGPD Assistant Chief Kevin Davis to Appear on NewsTalk to Discuss Youth Violence

Prince George's County Police Assistant Chief Kevin Davis will appear on NewsTalk with Bruce DePuyt on NewsChannel 8 to discuss recent youth violence.  The interview will stream live here:  http://www.wjla.com/news/newschannel-8/.

Who:               Prince George’s County Police Assistant Chief Kevin Davis

When:             February 22, 2013

Time:              10:00 am

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