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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Next PGPD TweetAlong Scheduled: All Paws on Deck Initiative


On Friday, May 3, 2013, @PGPDNews will ride along with the department’s K-9 Unit as it conducts its “All Paws on Deck Initiative.”   Starting at 9:00 pm, 12 K-9 teams will meet for a roll call, then participate in a traffic enforcement initiative throughout the county.  The group includes newly graduated drug-detection K-9s.  The TweetAlong will run at least through midnight.  Follow @PGPDNews and use the hashtag #PGPDTweetAlong to join the conversation.

Every day of the week, please tweet us your comments, concerns and kudos to @PGPDNews.

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

Three Suspects in Custody in Connection With Attempted Robbery



The Prince George’s County Police Department has taken three suspects into custody in connection with an attempted robbery of a business in Suitland.  

On April 30, 2013, at approximately 1:15 pm, patrol officers were called to the 4600 block of Silver Hill Road for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, patrol officers spoke with a security officer who works for the targeted business.

The preliminary investigation reveals that two suspects, wearing masks, walked into the pawn shop.  One of the suspects had a gun.  A uniformed security guard immediately confronted the men.  The security guard and one of the suspects exchanged gunshots.  Both suspects fled the scene in a car along with a third suspect. 

After fleeing, the suspects drove to a local hospital where they dropped off an injured suspect.  A short time later, police officers stopped the getaway car and took two of the suspects into custody.  The third suspect was taken into custody at the hospital.  Police officers recovered a handgun from the scene.

The security officer was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. 

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

Monday, April 29, 2013

PGPD Investigates Murder in Suitland


Updated on April 30, 2013: The victim is identified as 35-year-old Nick Charles Boddie of the 3800 block of Regency Parkway Ct in Suitland.

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

On April 29, 2013, at approximately 2:20 pm, patrol officers responded to Branch Avenue and Southern Avenue for a single vehicle traffic accident. Upon arrival, patrol officers found a man suffering from an apparent stab wound. He was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Investigators believe the stabbing occurred in the 3800 block of Regency Park Court. The preliminary investigation suggests the victim was stabbed during a confrontation with one or more suspects who entered his residence.

A friend was attempting to drive the victim to a hospital when the traffic accident occurred. Detectives are working to establish suspect(s) and motive.


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 Sponsors Homes for "Christmas in April"






Members of the Prince George's County Police Department proudly rolled up their sleeves to help with the annual "Christmas in April" event this weekend.  "Christmas in April" is a non-profit organization that repairs homes for low income and disabled homeowners.  PGPD members first began volunteering with the organization back in 1989. 
Police officers who are skilled in home repair served as house captains.  House captains were tasked with organizing the volunteers and acting as the on-site managers.  The PGPD worked on homes in Landover, Bowie, Capitol Heights, Clinton, Beltsville, and Oxon Hill.
This year in Prince George's County, approximately 3,000 volunteers worked on as many as 90 homes.  

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

PGPD Investigates Departmental Crash in Laurel


The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a departmental crash in Laurel.

On April 29, 2013, at approximately 2:00 am, police officers responded to Baltimore Avenue and Contee Road for a crash involving an on-duty Prince George’s County Police officer.  The officer, driving a marked SUV, struck a curb while turning from Baltimore Avenue onto Contee Rd.  The SUV flipped over and struck a lamp post.  The lamp post fell and damaged several parked cars.

The preliminary investigation suggests speed and weather were factors in the accident.  The driver, a two-year veteran, was treated and released from the hospital. 

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

PGPD to Hold Car Seat Check in College Park

Attention parents and guardians:  at a recent child car seat check in Prince George’s County, technicians found that 100% of the car seats inspected were improperly installed.  The Prince George’s County Police Department is committed to ensuring all children travel safely on our roads.  That’s why the PGPD and the Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union will hold another car seat check this Wednesday. 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
           Maryland Kids in Safety Seats (KISS)

When: Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Time:  4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Where: Branchville Volunteer Fire Department
            4905 Branchville Road
            College Park, MD

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

Friday, April 26, 2013

PGPD Partners With Brandywine Residents to Clean up Illegal Dump Site

In 1999, Charles and Yvonne Branson moved into the Simms Lane community in Brandywine.  While walking near their home, they discovered an illegal dumping site at the Zekiah Swamp.  Household and commercial trash was littered across the area, including furniture, appliances, cars, tires and lawn mowers.

The Bransons contacted the Prince George’s County Police Department’s District V Station and asked for help to close down the illegal dumping site.  The PGPD was happy to help.  Police officers, the Bransons, the Department of Community Standards, the Department of Public Works and other government agencies began a massive cleanup project. 
Now, after years of working together, the Zekiah Swamp is no longer a trash dump. It’s instead a thriving habitat.


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

PGPD Commits to Keeping Motorcyclists & Drivers Safe This Spring

The Prince George’s County Police Department today announced our involvement with the “Share The Road” campaign.  PGPD is proudly partnering with Maryland State Police, the Motor Vehicle Administration and Maryland’s Highway Safety Office in an effort to reduce fatal motorcycle crashes in the county and across the state in 2013.



In his remarks, Assistant Chief Kevin Davis stressed the need for all who are out on the roads to drive safely.  “In crashes between cars and motorcycles, drivers of cars are at fault more than half of the time,” said Assistant Chief Davis.  In 2012, there were 10 fatal motorcycle accidents in Prince George’s County. In seven of those accidents, the driver of the car was at fault.



As temperatures rise, and many motorcyclists head out on the roadways, PGPD is asking drivers and motorcyclists to keep an eye out for each other.  PGPD officers handed out educational information to both motorcyclists and drivers during the event.



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

PGPD Officers Honored at Annual Valor Awards Ceremony


Prince George’s County police officers and our public safety partners proudly work for the people of Prince George’s County.  Each day, one of these first responders perform an act of bravery in service to our community.

This week, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker hosted the 36th Annual Valor Awards ceremony.   Here are the Prince George’s County police officers who were recognized for their heroic efforts.

Police Officer of the Year
Police Officer Terrence R. Garrett
Gold Medal of Valor 
On the evening of April 4, 2012, Officer Garrett spotted three males acting suspiciously on the grounds of William Paca Elementary School.  As he approached the  suspects, they ran away. Officer Garrett gave chase and quickly caught one of them.  As he tried to detain the suspect, the suspect began fighting with Officer Garrett.  In an attempt to end the violent struggle, Officer Garrett deployed his Taser to subdue the man, but it failed to incapacitate him.  As the violent struggle continued, the suspect reached into his waistband and pulled out a gun.  Officer Garrett was able to block the suspect’s arm while drawing his own service weapon.  The suspect refused to drop his handgun, and Officer Garret was forced to fire his service weapon to end the violent encounter.  Officer Garrett put himself in extreme danger and refused to yield to the armed assailant as he fought for his life.  After the incident, the suspect was also found to have a vial of PCP.  For his extraordinary efforts, Officer Garrett earned a Gold Medal of Valor and was named the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Officer of the Year.



Police Officer Terrence Garrett


Corporal Phillip D. Foster
Gold Medal of Valor
On November 12, 2011, patrol officers were dispatched to Rydal Road in Forestville to assist Anne Arundel County Police with a homicide investigation.  Our patrol officers were asked to secure a residence at that location while a search warrant was being obtained.  Officers were not aware that the homicide suspect could be inside the home.  While officers set up a perimeter around the residence, the suspect suddenly opened the front door and began walking to his vehicle.   When he saw the officers, he went back inside his home. Moments later, the suspect came back out, this time carrying a shotgun in one hand and a rifle in the other.  Officers ordered the suspect to drop his weapons and he seemed to be complying as he placed his weapons on the ground.  Then without warning, the suspect reached down and fired the shotgun.  The blast struck Corporal Foster in his face, hand and leg.  Officers on the scene returned fire, however, the suspect continued to fire additional rounds from his weapons.  Despite being seriously injured, Corporal Foster also returned fire during the violent gun exchange. The suspect was mortally wounded.  For his courageous actions and unrelenting determination while exposed to extreme  danger, Corporal Foster earned a Gold Medal of Valor.
Corporal Phillip Foster



Corporal Julian R. Mitchell
Silver Medal of Valor 
Corporal Travis A. Rickert
Bronze Medal of Valor 
On the night of August 3, 2011, members of the District III Special Assignment Team learned that a suspect armed with a handgun was in the area of 1600 Marblewood Avenue in Fairmont Heights.  Corporals Rickert and Mitchell located and approached the suspect, who tried to run away.  As the officers were chasing the first suspect, a second suspect appeared from behind a bush and began shooting at the pursuing officers, hitting Corporal Mitchell in his left arm.  Corporal Rickert returned fire and struck the suspect, who then ran into a wooded area.  Despite his injuries, Corporal Mitchell along with Corporal Rickert, pursued the armed gunman into the wood line where he was captured and arrested.  Three additional suspects were ultimately arrested.  Corporals Mitchell and Rickert’s heroic actions removed four dangerous felons from our community.

Corporal Julian Mitchell
Corporal Travis Rickert


Corporal Corey Truxon
Bronze Medal of Valor
On the evening of November 25, 2011, patrol officers responded to the 21,000 block of Aquasco Road in Aquasco for the call of an armed man threatening suicide. The man said he would try and force the police to shoot him because he could not shoot himself.  Armed with two handguns, the man exited his home and fired a shot.  He went back inside, but quickly returned and aggressively approached the patrol officers.  Still carrying the two guns, the suspect deliberately moved toward the officers, posing an immanent threat.  Corporal Truxon was forced to take action to protect his life and the lives of his fellow officers.  Corporal Truxon’s courageous and decisive actions were directly responsible for bringing this volatile situation to an end.
Corporal Corey Truxon


Corporal Matthew Ling
Corporal Eric Lee
Police Officer First Class Jonathan Eyler
Police Officer DAniel Gonzalez
Bronze Medal of Valor
On February 4, 2012, Corporals Ling and Lee, Police Officer First Class Eyler and Police Officer Gonzales were on patrol in the College Park area when they saw smoke billowing from a window at the Spellman House apartment building on Berwyn House Road.  The officers knew the building housed many senior citizens and residents with special needs.  Without hesitation, the officers rushed inside and up to the sixth floor where the fire appeared to have started.  They searched the burning apartment and then went door-to-door to alert and escort residents to safety.  These four officers took great personal risk to protect the lives of others, and prevent, what would likely have been a tragic loss of life.

Corporal Matthew Ling
Corporal Eric Lee
Police Officer First Class Jonathan Eyler
Police Officer Daniel Gonzalez





Lieutenant Edward Finn
Corporal Rickie Adey
Bronze Medal of Valor
On the evening of July 24, 2012, Lieutenant Finn was on patrol in the District Heights area when he spotted an apartment building on Rochelle Avenue engulfed in flames.  Corporal Adey arrived within seconds and both officers entered the burning building and began a door-to-door search.  After escorting several residents and their pets to safety, they learned of an elderly resident still trapped inside.  They rushed to her apartment, forced open the door and found her sleeping in the rear of the apartment.  Thanks to Lieutenant Finn and Corporal Adey’s heroic actions, all of the residents were safely rescued from the fire.

Lieutenant Edward Finn
Corporal Rickie Adey


Thursday, April 25, 2013

PGPD Participates in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative


The Prince George’s County Police Department, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will be collecting potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction.  The effort is part of the “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative.”

The PGPD will have three collection locations.  This collection service is free and anonymous. 

*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

When:   Saturday, April 27, 2013

Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

The Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  The DEA cites studies which 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.  

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

PGPD Releases Photo of Serial Bank Robbery Suspect



The Prince George’s County Police Department is working to identify the suspect seen in the above surveillance photograph. Detectives believe this same man is also responsible for two other recent bank robberies.

On April 24, 2013, at approximately 2:40 pm, the suspect walked into the M&T Bank in the 3700 block of Donnell Drive in Forestville. He approached a teller, handed her a note and demanded cash. The teller complied. The suspect is described as a black male with a light complexion, in his late 20's with braided dreadlocks. He wore a black-hooded sweater, a gray or black jacket and green shoes.

Detectives believe the same man robbed the Capital One Bank in the 3600 block of St. Barnabas Road in Suitland on April 15, 2013. He also robbed the SunTrustBank in the 8900 block of Woodyard Road in Clinton on March 20, 2013.

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 up to $1000 for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment in this case.


PGPD Inspector General Discusses International Justice Reform


Prince George’s County Police Department Inspector General Carlos Acosta was invited to speak Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at the American University Washington College of Law. In conjunction with Professors John Ackerman and Irma Erendira Sandoval, both from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, IG Acosta spoke about the justice sector challenges in the implementation of the Mérida Initiative.

 The initiative is a partnership between the US and Mexico to fight organized crime. All three speakers addressed the dynamic situation in Mexico as the country works to reform its judicial system, especially as to systemic corruption and law enforcement integrity issues. Complicating this effort in Mexico is the heavy presence and influence brought by the six major narco-trafficking organizations currently operating there.



PGPD Searches for Critical Missing Person

Updated April 25, 2013:  Ms Hill has been safely located in Virginia Beach. 

Althea Hill

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in searching for a critical missing person who disappeared from North Carolina but may be in Prince George’s County. She is identified as 53-year-old Althea Hill of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Hill disappeared more than two months ago. She is known to frequent various establishments in Prince George’s County.


Hill is described as an African-American female, 5’8”, 250 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She suffers from a mental illness and may be in need of her medication. Hill has a few distinctive characteristics including a twitch in her mouth. Her family advises she also has an unusual walk due to a medical condition.


Anyone who may know information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Investigative Section – South (District V) at 301-868-8773.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

(Update) Suspect Wanted for Murder of MPD Officer Now in Custody

Updated April 23, 2013 at 8:05 pm: News conference announcing the arrest of the suspect wanted in the murder of Joseph Newell will be held at 8:45 pm. 


Updated April 23, 2013 at 7:30 pm.  The suspect wanted for the murder of Joseph Newell has turned himself in.  He is currently in custody at PGPD headquarters.  PGPD will hold a press conference this evening, details to be announced shortly.


Video of news conference: PGPD Obtains Warrant for Murder of MPD Officer.







The Prince George’s County Police Department has obtained a warrant in connection with the murder of a Metropolitan Police Department officer.  The suspect is identified as 27-year-old Antwan Rayvon James of the 6700 block of Green Moss Drive in Upper Marlboro.  He is the stepson of the victim.  The PGPD’s K-9 Section and other specialized teams are currently searching for James.

Antwan Rayvon James

The victim is identified as 46-year-old Joseph Burrough Newell. He joined the Metropolitan Police Department in 1989.  He was off-duty at the time of the incident. He also lived in the home on Green Moss Drive.

On April 22, 2013, at approximately 8:00 pm, patrol officers were called to the 6700 block of Green Moss Drive for the report of a shooting.  Upon arrival, patrol officers found Newell suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The preliminary investigation reveals the murder stemmed from a dispute over yard work.  The suspect is described as a black male, 6'0'' and 170 pounds.  James was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, blue jeans and black boots.  He is believed to be armed with a gun and is considered dangerous.  If anyone sees James, they are asked to immediately call police and not approach the suspect.  

The PGPD will hold a news conference today.

Who:    Assistant Chief Kevin Davis, Prince George’s County Police Department
              Assistant Chief Peter Newsham, Metropolitan Police Department

When:  TODAY

Time:    11:45 am

Where:  Police Services Complex
               7600 Barlowe Road
               Palmer Park, MD

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.


(UPDATE) PGPD Searches for Critical Missing Person

Update: The body found in Bladensburg on April 20, 2013, has been identified as 69-year-old Timothy Fowler. He was reported missing from Largo on April 8, 2013. Fowler was positively identified by medical and dental records. The medical examiner has ruled that Fowler died of natural causes. There is no foul play suspected. A citizen discovered Fowler’s body near a wooded area at 57th Avenue and Annapolis Road.

Timothy John Fowler



The Prince George’s County Police Department seeks the public’s assistance in finding a critical missing person identified as 69-year-old Timothy John Fowler. He was last seen on April 8, 2013, at Joseph A. Gilmore Adult Care located in the 600 block of Largo Road in Largo. Fowler suffers from dementia and may be in need of medication.

Fowler is described as a Caucasian male, 5’10”, 160 pounds, with brown eyes and gray hair. He was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, black leather jacket, black and gray sweater, blue jeans and black tennis shoes.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Regional Investigation Division-Central (District II) at (301) 390-2100.