PGPD Arrests Suspect for Shooting at Police Officer

Andre Christopher Rivers

The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested a suspect for shooting at an on-duty police officer.  The officer was not hurt.  The suspect is identified as 16-year-old Andre Christopher Rivers of the 13500 block of Attleboro Court in Laurel.  He is being charged as an adult in the case.

On March 29, 2013, at approximately 6:00 pm, the officer was patrolling in Laurel in his marked police cruiser.  While on Contee Road, the patrol officer heard a projectile strike his driver's side door, just under the window.  The patrol officer believed he was being fired on and immediately requested a search of the area.

A short time later, patrol officers stopped Rivers near Edinburgh Lane and Contee Road.  The preliminary investigation reveals Rivers shot at the patrol officer with a BB gun.  The BB gun was recovered.  Rivers was taken into custody without incident.  He is charged with first degree assault and related charges. He is in the custody of the Department of Corrections being held on a $75,000 bond.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s RID/North at (301) 937-0910. 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/.

PGPD Releases Photos of Armed Robbery Suspect

Updated March 29, 2013: The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating an armed robbery of a convenience store that occurred on March 29, 2013.

Shortly after 12:00 am, patrol officers responded to the 1400 block of Ritchie Road in Capitol Heights for a robbery.  The preliminary investigation suggests the same suspect as below entered a convenience store posing as a customer. He again chose a drink and approached the counter as if to pay.  Once the clerk opened the register, the suspect displayed a handgun and ordered the victim to back away. The suspect then removed the cash drawer and ran from the store.

Anyone with information about this case is asked 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), 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.

The Prince George’s County Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating the suspect seen in the above surveillance photographs.  He robbed a convenience store in Capitol Heights.

On March 28, 2013, at approximately 3:00 am, the suspect walked into the store in the 7400 block of Central Avenue.  He immediately went to the cooler area and chose a drink.  He then walked to the counter and pulled out cash to pay for the item.  When the victim opened the cash register, the suspect pulled out a handgun.  He jumped over the counter and removed the entire cash drawer.  He then ran from the store with the drawer.

If anyone has information on his whereabouts or identity, please call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s CID/Robbery Unit at 301-772-4095.  

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 Arrests Suspect in College Park Assault

Arasp Biparva

The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested a suspect in connection with an assault in College Park on March 27, 2013.  The suspect is identified as

21-year-old Arasp Biparva of the 7500 block of Girard Avenue in College Park.  Both the suspect and victim are University of Maryland students.

On March 27, 2013, at approximately 2:00 am, patrol officers responded to Knox Road and Baltimore Avenue for the report of a fight.  Upon arrival, patrol officers found an unconscious adult male suffering from an apparent head injury.  He was taken to a local hospital where he remains in stable condition.

The preliminary investigation reveals the victim was leaving a bar when the fight occurred.  During the course of the investigation, Biparva was developed as a suspect in this case.  On March 28, 2013, a warrant was served on Biparva in Potomac, Maryland.  Biparva admitted his involvement in the altercation. He has been charged with first and second degree assault.  

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Regional Investigative Division-North at 301-699-2601. Callers can remain anonymous by calling CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You may also 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 Releases Photos of Suspects Wanted in Citizen Robbery

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects shown in the above surveillance photos.  They are wanted for robbing a woman in Landover Hills.

On March 9, 2013, at approximately 4:55 am, the victim was walking near 65th Avenue and Cooper Lane when a silver minivan pulled up beside her.  She tells detectives that three men jumped out of the van.  One then pulled out a gun.  The suspects demanded the woman’s purse.  In fear for her life, she complied.  The suspects then drove away.  Minutes later, the three suspects, now accompanied by two female suspects, were captured on surveillance video using the victim’s credit card at a convenience store in the 3100 block of Rhode Island Avenue in Northeast, Washington.

If anyone has information on their whereabouts, please call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s District 1 Robbery Suppression Team at 301-699-2601.
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 Detective & K9 Partner Receive Top Award

A Prince George’s County Police detective and his K9 partner, Pele, were honored by the United States Police Canine Association. The team was awarded the Top Detection Case of the Year for 2012 for Region Three which covers Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.  The award was handed out at an event on March 23, 2013.  The team is assigned to the PGPD’s Narcotics Enforcement Division.

On February 15, 2012, the detective and Pele assisted members of the DEA with the execution of a federal search and seizure warrant on a home in Upper Marlboro.  The suspect in the case was already in custody and had told authorities no drugs would be found in his home.   While scanning one bedroom, K9 Pele alerted to the odor of a controlled substance near an ironing board standing up against a wall. Stashed inside a leg of that ironing board was more than 26 grams of suspected crack cocaine.  K9 Pele also found approximately $1500 in cash in a dresser. 

This particular home had been searched six times dating back to 1996, yielding little or no drugs.  

Please join us in congratulating the team on a job well done.

PGPD Arrests Suspect in Murder of Dlonte Days

Ronald Jefferson Short

The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested a suspect in the October 2012 murder of 23-year-old Dlonte Renard Days.  The suspect is identified as 27-year-old Ronald Jefferson Short of the 2500 block of High Street in Southeast Washington.

On October 11, 2012, patrol officers responded to the 1800 block of Village Green Drive in Palmer Park for the report of a shooting.  Upon arrival, patrol officers discovered Days, of the 1800 block of Village Green Drive, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds inside his residence.  He was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

During the course of the investigation, Short was developed as a suspect in this case.  On March 4, 2013, a warrant was served on Short at the Department of Corrections.  He was already in custody there on an unrelated murder charge.  Short has been charged with first degree murder and related charges in the murder of Days.  Short remains in custody 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 can remain anonymous by calling CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You may also 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 Honors Officers of the Month

 February 2013 Patrol Officers of the Month

Prince George’s County police officers work around the clock to protect and serve county citizens.  Good police work is done daily but often without widespread recognition. We’d like to introduce the Patrol Officers of the Month for February 2013.

District I Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer Mohammad Ashkar

On February 21, 2013, Police Officer Mohammad Ashkar was dispatched to a call for a suspicious person.  Once on scene, he spoke with a woman who says she’d been followed by three men in a car.  PO Ashkar spotted the suspect vehicle leaving the area of Riggs Road and conducted an investigative stop.  When other patrol officers arrived, the three men were questioned.  Two of them had previous felony arrests to include handgun charges.  PO Ashkar checked the men for weapons and found a loaded semi-automatic pistol in one of their jacket pockets.  That suspect was arrested.

Police Officer Mohammad Ashkar

District II Police Officers of the Month

Police Officer First Class Gary Frank

Police Officer First Class Quinn Douglas

On February 9, 2013, Police Officers First Class Gary Frank and Quinn Douglas were called to a fast food restaurant in the 9000 block of Annapolis Road in Lanham for the report of a suspicious person.  The patrol officers spoke with the person in question who stated he worked security for the business.  He then became belligerent during the continued questioning.  The man could not provide any security officer credentials or a permit to carry a handgun.  The restaurant’s staff also couldn’t verify his employment.  POFC Frank and POFC Douglas recovered a handgun from the suspect.  He was arrested without incident.

Police Officer First Class Gary Frank

Police Officer First Class Quinn Douglas

District III Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer First Class Domenek Hawkins

Police Officer Bradley Alexander

On February 27, 2013, Police Officer First Class Domenek Hawkins and Police Officer Bradley Alexander were called the 6900 block of Opal Place in District Heights for a home invasion.  Prior to their arrival, it was confirmed the suspects were still inside the home.   When POFC Hawkins and PO Alexander arrived on scene, they saw a door had been kicked in.  They positioned themselves at the front and back doors.  An armed suspect confronted the patrol officer at the back door.  Fearing for their safety, the patrol officer discharged their duty weapon.  One suspect was arrested on scene.  A second suspect was arrested a short while later.

Police Officer First Class Domenek Hawkins

Police Officer Bradley Alexander

District IV Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer First Class Zachery Young

On February 14, 2013, a lookout was broadcast for four robbery suspects in the Glassmanor area of Oxon Hill who were seen in a gold four-door vehicle. While in the area of Auth Road and Allentown Road, Police Officer First Class Zachery Young saw a gold Honda Accord.  He conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.  While walking to the car, POFC Young smelled suspected marijuana coming from the car.  When additional patrol officers arrived, POFC Young removed the group from the car.  The car was  searched.  Two fully-loaded handguns were recovered as well as marijuana.

Police Officer First Class Zachery Young

District V Police Officers of the Month

Corporal Larry Dreher

Corporal Mark Mason

On February 14, 2013, Corporals Larry Dreher and Mark Mason were called to the 15600 block of Gillmore Greens Court in Brandywine for the report of a burglary in progress.  Once on scene, the patrol officers established a perimeter.  They spotted a suspect trying to run from the back of the home carrying stolen property.  The patrol officers confronted the suspect who ran back inside.  The two suspects then tried to run out of the front door.  That’s where Corporals Dreher and Mason arrested them without incident.

Corporal Larry Dreher

Corporal Mark Mason

District VI Police Officers of the Month

Corporal Mark Barbre

Police Officer Robert Folchetti

On February 22, 2013, Corporal Mark Barbre and Police Officer Robert Folchetti conducted a traffic stop in the area of Briarwood Road and Bramble Land in Laurel.   As both patrol officers approached the vehicle, they smelled suspected marijuana coming from the car.   As the driver was asked to exit the vehicle, she informed Cpl. Barbre and PO Folchetti that she had been smoking marijuana.  During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that the driver had several baggies of marijuana hidden in the front of her pants.  She was arrested without incident.

Corporal Mark Barbre

Police Officer Robert Folchetti

PGPD Hands Out Child ID Kits in Laurel

The Prince George’s County Police Department, in partnership with Volunteers in Police Service, handed out free child ID kits at the West Laurel Community Center on Saturday, March 23, 2013.


Members of the District VI Community Oriented Police Officers Section (C.O.P.S.) helped complete these vital kits for 30 children. They include fingerprints, the child’s picture, DNA and an emergency contact sheet. The completed kits are given to parents or guardians to take home for safekeeping.

The next child ID kit event will be held in early May. For more information, please contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Media Relations Division at 301-772-4710.

Driver Charged in Double Fatal Crash in Glenn Dale

The Prince George’s County Police Department has charged a driver involved in a double fatal crash in Glenn Dale on March 25, 2013. The suspect is identified as 35-year-old Ramon Anaya-Ascencio of no fixed address. He’s facing a total of eight charges including two counts of homicide by motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol as well as two counts of vehicular manslaughter.

On March 25, 2013, at approximately 7:45 am, patrol officers were called to the 10800 block of Lanham Severn Road for a report of a vehicle collision. Once on scene, patrol officers learned a Honda Accord driven by Anaya-Ascencio crossed in front of a westbound Audi A6. The Audi struck the Honda on its passenger side.

The two passengers in the Honda, 46-year-old Leo Castro and 30-year-old Jose Rodrigeuez, both of Lanham, were taken to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead.

The preliminary investigation reveals alcohol appears to be a factor in this crash.
Anaya-Ascencio is in the custody of the Department of Corrections and is being held on a $200,000 bond.

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

Cold Spring Contributes to Warm-up Car Thefts

There's no denying it's been a strange Spring. Snow blanketed much of the region yesterday and the temperatures remain stubbornly colder than usual. This prolonged chilly weather is a nuisance for many, but it's providing car thieves an opportunity to strike as owners continue to warm their cars. Auto thefts are down again in Prince George's County this year but that number could be significantly lower if drivers stopped making one critical mistake. The Prince George's County Police Department's Special Investigation Section will hold a news conference today on this troubling trend.


Who: Captain Jason Johnson, Commander, Special Investigation Section

When: TODAY, March 26, 2013

Time: 1:00 pm

Where: 13000 Keverton Dr.
            Kettering, MD

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

PGPD Charges Capitol Heights Man with Roommate's Murder

Luke Osei-Kwame

The Prince George’s County Police Department has made an arrest in a murder that took place in Capitol Heights. The suspect is identified as 62-year-old Luke Osei-Kwame of the 1100 block of Adeline Way in Capitol Heights.

On March 18, 2013, at approximately 8:13 pm, patrol officers responded to the 1100 block of Adeline Way for a report of an assault. Upon arrival, patrol officers found 59-year-old Anthony Taylor suffering from trauma to the upper body. He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on March 20, 2013.

The preliminary investigation reveals Taylor and Osei-Kwame got into a verbal altercation which escalated into a physical confrontation. At that point, Osei-Kwame assaulted Taylor with a large wooden club.

On March 20, 2013 a warrant was obtained for Osei-Kwame, charging him with first degree murder and related charges.

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/.  

                       

PGPD Investigates Cooking Oil Theft in Oxon Hill

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating the theft of cooking oil from a local restaurant in Oxon Hill.

On March 13, 2013, at approximately 10:19 am, two males were seen via video surveillance driving a blue Chevy GMC delivery truck in the 5100 block of Indian Head Highway. During this time, they drove to the rear of a restaurant, broke the lock to a cooking oil container, and siphoned the cooking grease into a container within the truck before fleeing the scene. The delivery truck displayed a curled temporary registration plate from an unknown state attached to the front of the vehicle.

The RID/Special Investigation Section is investigating this theft as well as other cooking oil- related thefts in Prince George’s County. Cooking oil is typically used to produce a number of consumer products and is quite valuable on the secondary market.

All cooking oil haulers are required to be registered through the Department of Agriculture. Legitimate operators should display or be able to produce a registration sticker. The inability to do so strongly suggests a possible involvement in theft.

Anyone with information about this case or other cooking oil-related theft cases are asked to call the RID/Special Investigations Section at (240) 695-7435. Callers can remain anonymous by calling CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You may also text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online.

PGPD Arrests Second Suspect in Murder of Sharod James

Joshua Jermaine Benton

The Prince George’s County Police Department has arrested a second suspect in the November 2012 murder of Sharod Darnell James.  The suspect is identified as 23-year-old Joshua Jermaine Benton of the 4800 block of Benning Road in Southeast Washington.

On November 16, 2012, at approximately 11:50 pm, patrol officers responded to the 5600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Highway for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found James, of the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace in Southeast Washington, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

On November 21, 2012, officers arrested 24 year-old Lawson Mahdi, of the 13000 block of Bishops Bequest Road in Upper Marlboro in connection with this murder. Mahdi was charged with second degree murder and related charges.

On March 22, 2013, police officers arrested Benton without incident in the 4500 block of Douglas Street in Northeast Washington. He is being charged with first degree murder and related charges.  Benton is currently being held in Washington D.C., awaiting extradition.

The preliminary investigation suggests the murder is drug related.

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 can remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You may also text “PGPD plus your tip” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/  and submit a tip online. Crime Solvers is offering a Cash Reward up to $25,000 for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment in this case.

PGPD Searches for Critical Missing Person

Updated March 22, 2013:  Mr Winfrey has been found in good health.

William Claude Winfrey, III

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in finding a critical missing person identified as 40-year-old William Claude Winfrey, III.  He was last seen on March 21, 2013, at his home in the 13700 block of Virginia Manor Road in Laurel.  Family members are concerned about Winfrey's welfare and have reason to believe he may harm himself.  Winfrey, who suffers from diabetes, may also have access to firearms. 

Winfrey is described as a white male, 5’8” and 250 pounds.  He has brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Regional Investigative Section-North District VI at 301-937-0910.