PGPD Investigates Domestic-Related Murder in Hillcrest Heights

The Prince George's County Police Department is investigating a murder in Hillcrest Heights.  The victim is identified as 22-year-old Jerome Zephier Peters of the 1100 block of Stratwood Avenue in Oxon Hill.  

On June 30, 2013 at approximately 1:15 am, patrol officers were called to the 2900 block of St. Clair Drive for a shooting.  Upon their arrival, the patrol officers found Peters inside a home suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.  He was pronounced dead on the scene.

The preliminary investigation suggests this murder is domestic-related.  Peters was at a family member's home caring for his young child.  The child's mother and a male acquaintance arrived to pick up the child when an argument between the two men ensued.  During that argument, Peters was shot.  Detectives are working to identify and locate the suspect.

Anyone with information on 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.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online.

PGPD Quickly Arrests Five Suspects in College Park Robbery & Thefts

The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested five suspects for a string of crimes in College Park just minutes after the crimes took place. The two adult suspects are identified as 20-year-old Uchain Bart Onyewudiala of the 11200 block of Oak Leaf Drive in Silver Spring and 20-year-old Aaron Jaybirch Officer of the 1300 block of Colgate Way in Silver Spring.  Three juvenile females were also arrested.  All five suspects are from Silver Spring.

Uchain Onyewudiala

Aaron Officer

On June 29, 2013 at approximately 2:00 am, District I patrol officers responded to the 4600 block of College Avenue for a theft.  The victim was having a party at his home and caught an uninvited man going room to room in his home stealing property. The victim confronted the suspect who ran out of the house and into a getaway car. The victim tried to stop the car and was dragged a short distance.  The victim was not hurt.

As patrol officers were investigating this initial theft, a second call went out for a theft from a car in the same neighborhood.  Patrol officers were able to quickly locate the suspect's vehicle, which was now wanted in both crimes.  Patrol officers stopped the car and detained all five suspects.

During the traffic stop, patrol officers learned of a third victim who had been robbed moments before the traffic stop.  This victim had been walking to his vehicle when he was confronted by several of the suspects.  The victim was physically assaulted while the suspects stole his property.  Additionally, one of the suspects sprayed the victim with what is believed to be pepper spray.  The victim was treated on the scene.

Patrol officers found all of the stolen property taken in the three crimes inside the suspects' vehicle.  All five suspects were arrested. During interviews with detectives assigned to the Regional Investigation Division/Northern Region, Onyewudiala and Officer both admitted their involvement and are currently in the custody of the Department of Corrections.  All of the suspects face charges related to the robbery, assault, and multiple thefts.

Anyone with information about this case should contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Regional Investigation Division - Northern Region 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 www.pgpolice.org to submit a tip online.

Updated June 29, 2013: TODAY 3:00-4:00pm: One week after a sexual assault on a young child, detectives will return to the Marlton neighborhood in Upper Marlboro today to canvas for information. They will stop cars and pass out flyers at the intersection of Trumps Hill Road and Heathermore Boulevard. Anyone with information on this case is urged to please call CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS. A cash reward is being offered.

Updated June 28, 2013: Today 3:00-4:00 pm Detectives are returning to the area to canvas.  Officers will be stopping cars and passing out flyers with information about this sexual assault.   Anyone with information is asked to call CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS.  A cash reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment.

Thank you to everyone in the community who has called providing tips in this case.

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating the sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl in Upper Marlboro.  It occurred on June 22, 2013 at approximately 3:00 pm in the 8800 block of Heathermore Boulevard.  Detectives would like to speak with anyone who was in the area at the time and may have information on this case.

The preliminary investigation reveals the suspect approached the victim, sexually assaulted her behind a building and then ran away.

Detectives are actively canvassing the area and following up on leads in an effort to identify the suspect.  He is described as an older white male with a heavy build.  He is bald with a goatee-style gray beard.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit at 301-772-4908.  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.pgpolice.org to submit a tip online.  Crime Solvers is offering a CASH REWARD for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment in this case.

PGPD Taking Part in Badges For Baseball

Cpl. Gause, Cpl. Schnitzenbaumer & Cpl. Muse

Cpl. D'Haiti

Members of the Prince George’s County Police Department are lacing up this summer to connect with children in the community.  The PGPD is partnering with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation to promote its signature program “Badges for Baseball”.  

Police officers assigned to the Community Services Division and COPS officers from District IV are using sports to teach children about healthy life choices – staying in school, saying no to drugs and avoiding negative peer pressure.  

A day at Nationals Park

The program kicked off on June 20, 2013 with a huge community turnout. The group has also enjoyed a day at Nationals Park together.  Badges for Baseball participants will meet every Thursday evening until August 8, 2013.

Parents of children between the ages of 10 and 14 who would like more information about the program are encouraged to contact Cpl. Rodney Gause or Cpl. Kurt Schnitzenbaumer of the Community Services Division at (301) 909-7126.

Remembering Fallen Officer – Richard S. Findley

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero, Sergeant Richard S. Findley, lost this day in 2008.

Sergeant Findley was born on June 5,1969. He was raised in Beltsville and graduated from High Point High School in 1987. Sergeant Findley joined the Prince George's County Police Department in July of 1998. Upon graduation in February of 1999, Sergeant Findley was assigned to the Beltsville District station. He initially served as a patrol officer and later became a member of the Special Assignment Team.

On the morning of June 27, 2008, Sergeant Findley was conducting surveillance at the Laurel Pines apartment complex on Bowie Road in Laurel. Sergeant Findley was watching an unoccupied vehicle that was displaying stolen registration plates in the parking lot. At approximately 11:45 am, two suspects approached and entered the vehicle. As Sergeant Findley exited his police vehicle to make contact, the suspects in the stolen vehicle accelerated and intentionally struck him. Sergeant Findley was dragged by the suspect vehicle and suffered severe injuries. He was rushed to Laurel Regional Hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Sergeant Findley served the Prince George's County Police Department for 10 years and was the 25th member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice. He was the 47th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George's County.

At the time of his death, Sergeant Richard Findley was 39 years old and survived by his wife and two daughters.

PGPD Takes to the Sky to Target Speeding Motorcyclists

The summer is the time many motorcyclists like to hit the open road.  Unfortunately, some drivers choose to do so at unsafe speeds.  To stop this dangerous driving, the PGPD launched Operation Road Runner.  The safety campaign uses an innovative approach to nab speeding motorcyclists by tracking them in the air.  The effort first launched last summer and was so successful, it’s back again this summer.

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Operations Division uses several units to conduct this campaign; the Aviation Section and Traffic  Section.  A PGPD helicopter, Air 1, is used to spot and track any speeding motorcyclists.  The flight crew gives critical information to police officers on the ground to allow them to safely conduct traffic stops. 

Operation Road Runner was most recently conducted on June 19, 2013.  In just a few hours,  police officers made 24 traffic stops and two felony arrests for a stolen motorcycle, fleeing and eluding, assault and other related charges.

A local news outlet joined the PGPD's Aviation Unit that day to see firsthand the effectiveness of  Operation Road Runner.

http://bit.ly/16Bri1Q

View more videos at: http://nbcwashington.com.

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

PGPD Hosting Media Luncheon Meeting

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Media Relations Division will host a meeting next Monday for members of the media.  Reporters and assignment editors are invited to meet and interact with Media Relations Division members, as well as the PGPD executive command staff.  Lunch will be served.

Who:    Julie Parker, Director, Media Relations Division

            Prince George’s County Police Department Command Staff

When:  Monday, July 1, 2013

Time:   11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Where: Police Services Complex

            7600 Barlowe Road

            Palmer Park, Maryland

Members of the media are asked to RSVP if planning to attend.  For more information, please call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Media Relations Division at 301-772-4710.

Remembering Fallen Officer - James B. Swart

Police Officer James B. Swart

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero, Police Officer James B. Swart, lost this day in 1978.

Police Officer Swart was born on December 27,1952 in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He was raised in Riverdale and graduated from Parkdale High School. Police Officer Swart joined the Prince George’s County Police Department as a cadet on July 23,1972.  He entered the police academy on October 28,1973, following in the footsteps of his father, a retired detective sergeant with the Metropolitan Police Department.  Police Officer Swart graduated on March 4,1974 and was assigned to the Hyattsville Station.

At approximately 2:40 am on June 26,1978, POlice Officer Swart was at the Hyattsville station assisting with the processing of two theft suspects when one of the suspects shot fellow officer, Police Officer Albert M. Claggett, IV.  Hearing the gunfire from another part of the station, Police Officer Swart rushed to assist Police Officer Claggett when Police Officer Swart was shot in the chest.  He was rushed to Prince George’s Hospital Center where he was pronounced dead. 

Police Officer Swart served the Prince George’s County Police Department for five years and was the ninth member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice. He was the 17^th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George’s County, Maryland.

At the time of his death, Police Officer Swart was 25 years old and survived by his parents.

Remembering Fallen Officer - Albert M. Claggett IV

Police Officer Albert M. Claggett IV

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero, Police Officer Albert M. Claggett, IV, lost this day in 1978.

Police Officer Claggett was born on March 1,1952, in Prince George's County, Maryland. He was raised in New Carrollton and graduated from Parkdale High School. He joined the Prince George's County Police Department as a cadet on June 19,1972.  He entered the police academy shortly thereafter, following in the footsteps of his father, retired Prince George's Counyt Police Lieutenant Albert M. Claggett III.  After graduating on December 3,1972, Police Officer Claggett was assigned to the Seat Pleasant station. He was  transferred to the Hyattsville station in July of 1975.

At approximately 1:30 am on June 26,1978,  Police Officer Claggett and Police Officer James B. Swart initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle on Annapolis Road at Kenilworth Avenue in Bladensburg.  The vehicle matched the suspect description in the theft of laundry room coin boxes from the Eastpines Apartment Complex. The two occupants were arrested and taken to the Hyattsville station.  As Police Officer Claggett was processing one of the suspects, the suspect suddenly ripped the officer's weapon from its holster and opened fire, striking POlice Officer Claggett in the chest.  He was rushed to Prince George's Hospital Center where he later died of his injuries.  

Police Officer Claggett served the Prince George's County Police Department for six years and was the 10th member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice. He was the 18th law enforcements officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George's County, Maryland. 

At the time of his death, Police Officer Claggett was 26 years old and survived by his wife and two sons. 

PGPD Lieutenant Excels in Two Different Uniforms

Lieutenant Kevin Hughes

Lieutenant Kevin Hughes first put on the Prince George’s County Police uniform 25 years ago.  During that time, he’s become a well-respected member of the department.  He’s also made a name for himself in the other uniform he wears – that of head coach. The Washington Post recently named Lieutenant Hughes the track and field Girls’ Coach of the Year.  He’s the head coach at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in the District of Columbia.

Lieutenant Hughes says his love of running sparked his interest in coaching.  He’s coached now for 15 years. He spent one year at the University of Maryland and the remaining time at Georgetown Visitation Prep.  Under his leadership, the Cubs have earned eight championships, six of those for track and field.  This year, Coach Hughes guided the Cubs to a dominant showing at the ISL/MAC Championships. His team earned almost as many points as the next two teams combined, winning their fifth straight title.

Lieutenant Hughes credits his experience as a police officer with helping him excel at coaching—particularly conflict resolution, communication and organization. Lieutenant Hughes is currently a shift commander assigned to District I.

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

PGPD Cold Case Unit Closes 1982 Murder

John Ernest Walsh

Stefanie Sue Watson

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Cold Case Unit charged a suspect in connection with the 30-year-old murder of Stefanie Sue Watson of Laurel. 

The suspect is identified as 68-year-old John Ernest Walsh.  He is currently incarcerated at the Eastern Correctional Institution in Westover, MD on unrelated charges.

Watson disappeared the night of July 22,1982.  The 27-year-old had left her Laurel home and was due in to work for a night shift at Laurel-Beltsville Hospital.  She never arrived.  A family member reported her missing the next day.  Watson’s car was found four days later in a parking lot on 4^th Street in Laurel.  Blood stains were found in the car and collected for evidence.  In September of 1982, a witness saw someone throwing an unknown object into some woods in the 13000 block of Larchdale Road in Laurel.  That witness went to investigate and discovered what appeared to be human remains.  Those remains were tested and positively identified as Stephanie Watson.

In March of 2013, detectives with the Cold Case Unit had DNA evidence from Watson’s case tested.  On June 19, 2013 there was a positive match to Walsh through the Maryland Combined DNA Index System.  On June 21, 2013 detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Walsh, charging him with first degree murder.

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

Media Availability: PGPD Cold Case Unit Closes 1982 Murder

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Cold Case Unit has charged a suspect in connection with the 30-year-old murder of Stephanie Sue Watson of Laurel.  The 27-year-old left for work the night of July 22,1982 and never arrived.  Her remains were positively identified a few months later.  In March 2013, detectives sent DNA recovered from the victim’s car for testing.  That DNA positively matched the suspect, 68-year-old John Ernest Walsh, who is currently in custody on unrelated charges. 

Sergeant Richard Fulginiti of the Cold Case Unit is available to discuss the case this afternoon.  Photos of the suspect and victim will be available.

Any interested media is asked to please RSVP by 12:00 pm today.  Please call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Media Relations Division at 301-772-4710.

When:  TODAY, June 25, 2013

Time:  1:00 pm

Where:  Police Services Complex

               7600 Barlowe Road

               Palmer Park, MD

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: PGPD Investigates Sexual Assault in Upper Marlboro

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating the sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl in Upper Marlboro.  It occurred on June 22, 2013 at approximately 3:00 pm in the 8800 block of Heathermore Boulevard.  

This afternoon, the PGPD will provide the latest details on this case.  A PGPD academy class will be on site conducting a grid search.  A K-9 team will also be conducting a track in the area.

WHO:    Julie Parker, Director, Media Relations Division

WHEN:  TODAY: June 24, 2013

TIME:   1:00 pm

Where: 8800 block Heathermore Boulevard

             Upper Marlboro, MD

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

PGPD Investigates Sexual Assault in Upper Marlboro

Updated June 28, 2013: Today 3:00-4:00 pm Detectives are returning to the area to canvas.  Officers will be stopping cars and passing out flyers with information about this sexual assault.   Anyone with information is asked to call CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS.  A cash reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment.

Thank you to everyone in the community who has called providing tips in this case.

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating the sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl in Upper Marlboro.  It occurred on June 22, 2013 at approximately 3:00 pm in the 8800 block of Heathermore Boulevard.  Detectives would like to speak with anyone who was in the area at the time and may have information on this case.

The preliminary investigation reveals the suspect approached the victim, sexually assaulted her behind a building and then ran away.

Detectives are actively canvassing the area and following up on leads in an effort to identify the suspect.  He is described as an older white male with a heavy build.  He is bald with a goatee-style gray beard.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit at 301-772-4908.  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.pgpolice.org to submit a tip online.  Crime Solvers is offering a CASH REWARD for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment in this case.

PGPD Honors Patrol Officers of the Month

Every day, Prince George’s County Police patrol officers suit up and serve the citizens of our county.  Their good works too often go without recognition.  Here are our patrol officers of the month for May.

District I Police Officer of the Month

Corporal David Cheatham

On May 3, 2013, Corporal David Cheatham was on patrol when he noticed a man loitering in the 7900 block of Riggs Road.  As Corporal Cheatham approached, the man began to act in a nervous manner and began walking away.  Corporal Cheatham conducted a field stop during which he patted down the man.  The patrol officer found a crack pipe and a GPS unit.  The corporal arrested the man on a drug related charge.  During an interview, the suspect admitted to several thefts from autos in the area.

District II Police Officers of the Month

Corporal Bertram Smith

Police Officer Timothy Smith

On May 22, 2013, Corporal Bertram Smith and Police Officer Timothy Smith responded to the 6500 block of Princess Garden Parkway for the report of a breaking and entering in progress.  When the patrol officers arrived, they found signs of forced entry to the rear of the home.  Corporal Smith and PO Smith quickly set up a perimeter.  They caught and arrested the two suspects as they tried to run out of the front door.

District III Police Officers of the Month

Police Officer First Class Bruce Brown

Police Officer James Robison

On May 23, 2013, Police Officer First Class Bruce Brown and Police Officer James Robison were dispatched to the 2200 block of Seton Way for a carjacking.  The patrol officers spotted a car on Southern Avenue matching the description of the broadcast lookout.  POFC Brown and PO Robison attempted a traffic stop but the car sped away and crossed into the District of Columbia.  Due to traffic conditions, POFC Brown and PO Robison lost sight of the carjacked vehicle, but continued to canvass the area.  A short time later, the patrol officers found the carjacked car which had been involved in a crash.  Several citizens alerted the patrol officers that the suspects had tossed a handgun into the woods and then ran away.  POFC Brown and PO Robison spotted one of the suspects and arrested him after a short  chase.  With the assistance of MPDC officers and their K-9 unit, the second suspect was also located as well as a loaded handgun.

District IV Police Officer of the Month

Corporal Brian Johnson

On May 4, 2013, Corporal Brian Johnson was dispatched to investigate an assault at a convenience store in the 3300 block of Branch Avenue in Temple Hills.  Corporal Johnson saw a car in the parking lot with four passengers inside. When the passengers spotted Corporal Johnson, the driver moved the car to an adjacent parking lot.  Corporal Johnson initiated an investigative stop.  He saw drug paraphernalia in plain view and observed the front seat passenger reach under his seat.  At that point, Corporal Johnson spotted a silver semi-automatic handgun protruding from underneath the seat.  All four suspects were arrested without incident.

District V Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer First Class Michael Waters

On May 5, 2013, Police Officer First Class Michael Waters responded to the 12400 block of Sturdee Drive in Upper Marlboro for the report of a drowning in a pool.  When POFC Waters arrived, he immediately took over performing CPR on an unconscious child.  POFC Waters continued the CPR until paramedics arrived.  Despite being in critical condition, the child has recovered and is now doing well.

District VI Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer Steven Hang

On May 13, 2013, responded to a home in the 11900 block of Beltsville Drive for a domestic assault call.  Upon arrival, the female victim told PO Hang that she had been physically assaulted by her boyfriend during an argument. The female had several injuries to her face. PO Hang was alerted that the suspect kept a loaded handgun in his nightstand.  PO Hang took the suspect into custody on a domestic assault charge.  A loaded handgun was also recovered from the apartment.