PGPD Releases Surveillance Photo of Bank Robbery Suspect

Peirre Washington

Updated September 30, 2013: The suspect in this bank robbery has been arrested.  He is identified as 28-year-old Pierre Ramone Washington, of the 3400 block of Brinkley Road in Temple Hills.  The Montgomery County Police Department arrested him without incident on September 27, 2013.  He now faces robbery charges in Prince George's, Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties.

The Prince George’s County Police Department is working to identify the suspect seen in the above surveillance photograph.  He’s wanted for robbing a bank in Temple Hills.

On September 26, 2013, at about 11:30 am, the suspect robbed the SunTrust Bank in the 4600 block of Old Branch Avenue.  The preliminary investigation reveals the suspect walked up to a teller and passed a note demanding cash.  The teller complied.  The suspect then ran from the bank and fled in a gold-colored SUV.

Anyone with information on his identity 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 (274537) 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 Releases Photos of Robbery Suspects

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying the suspects seen in the above surveillance photographs.  They are wanted for an armed robbery in Oxon Hill.

On September 19, 2013, at approximately 6:30 pm, patrol officers were called to the 6100 block of Oxon Hill Road for an armed robbery.  The preliminary investigation reveals a group of suspects robbed a man in the parking lot of a motel.  After taking his money and cell phone at gunpoint, the suspects fled in a Dodge Durango, pictured below.

Detectives are working to establish the identity of eight total suspects.  They believe seven males and one female participated in this robbery.  A cash reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the involved suspects is urged to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s CID/Robbery Unit at (301) 772-4905.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call 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.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

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

PGPD Helping MSP With Drive-Thru Food Donation Center

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s District I and District VI stations are helping the Maryland State Police - College Park Barrack collect food for those in need in our area. 

On Saturday, September 28, 2013, the MSP is holding a drive-thru donation center at the Park and Ride at the I-95/I-495 split.  PGPD police officers and Explorers will join the MSP at the event.

On Monday, September 30, 2013, the PGPD and MSP will take the donated food to the Capital Area Food Bank facility in the District.  There will be a short ceremony upon their arrival. 

During the month of September, MSP has been collecting food donations for this effort. The PGPD District VI station set up a collection box in its lobby.

We urge anyone in our community who can help with this effort to please drop off canned goods and other non-perishable items at the drive-thru donation center. 

When:  Saturday, September 28, 2013

Time:   8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: College Park Metro Park and Ride

             I-95/ I-495 Beltway

             College Park, MD 

Members of the media are encouraged to attend.  For more information, please contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Media Relations Division at (301) 772-4710.

 

Second Suspect Arrested in Connection with Largo Robbery

Deandre Jeremiah Stoddard

The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested a second suspect in connection with a robbery in Largo. The suspect is identified as 19-year-old Deandre Jeremiah Stoddard of the 11300 block of Shearwater Drive in Waldorf.

On September 1, 2013, at about 3:30 am, patrol officers were called to the 10100 block of Prince Place for the report of a robbery. The preliminary investigation reveals the victim agreed to give two men a ride to an apartment on Prince Place.  After arriving, the victim entered the apartment where he encountered a third man.  All three suspects then assaulted the victim and stole his car.  The victim received medical treatment on the scene. 

Stoddard is currently in custody in Charles County on unrelated charges.  On September 6, 2013, 19-year-old Keion Dayshawn Naylor of the 10700 block of Hollaway Drive in Upper Marlboro was arrested in connection with this case. The victim's car has also been recovered.  

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Prince George's County Police Department's Regional Investigation Division – Central Region at 301-390-2160.  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.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

PGPD Seeks Community’s Help in Finding Jewelry Store Robbery Suspects

The robbers spent hours in an Oxon Hill jewelry store and made off with an estimated $500,000 worth of jewelry.  They broke in through the roof in the middle of the night and then lowered tools down through that hole.  They then spent hours inside using a blow torch to break into the side of a safe.  Detectives working the case are sharing this video in an attempt to generate tips and help get justice for the business owners.

This robbery took place at Rivertowne Jewelers in the 6100 block of Oxon Hill Road in Oxon Hill in May. 

For members of the media, there is additional video available, including surveillance video, of the crime at Prince George’s County Police Headquarters.

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

PGPD Signs Up for Unique Partnership with UMD

The Prince George’s County Police Department is now working with the University of Maryland’s top-ranked Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice in a new and unique collaboration. 

Under a recently signed memorandum of understanding, the PGPD will welcome UMD students to study the department’s policies and practices.  This partnership reinforces Police Chief Mark Magaw’s commitment to transparency and constitutional and ethical policing.   

PGPD Inspector General Carlos Acosta believes this partnership is a win-win. "It’s important to step away from yourself and get opinions on how you are doing.  The University of Maryland’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice is full of intelligent, thoughtful academics who are seriously studying what police agencies do," said Inspector General Acosta.

“We are very excited for this next step in working with Prince George's County.  It makes sense for us to assist a Department that is transforming itself not only because we work and live in the community but because it gives our students the opportunity to learn how to work with a large and progressive agency to implement the latest research findings,” said UMD Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Professor Charles Wellford.

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

PGPD Homicide Unit Studied by International Scholar

Fiona Brookman in center, with members of PGPD's Homicide Unit

The Prince George’s County Police Department hosted an international scholar who crossed the Atlantic in order to study the inner workings of the department’s homicide unit.  Fiona Brookman just wrapped up a 12-week visit with the team.  Brookman is a Professor of Criminology at the University of South Wales. 

While here, Brookman joined detectives at crime scenes, reviewed case files and observed pre-trial meetings with members of the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.  She also focused on the structure of the homicide unit and individual squads and how these compare to similar teams in the United Kingdom.

“Professor Brookman’s decision to study and hopefully learn from our unit is a true compliment. We benefited from her time with us as well,” said Captain George Nichols, Assistant Commander of the Criminal Investigation Division.

Professor Brookman is using what she learned while with the PGPD as part of her research for a series of academic papers and a book that she is writing on homicide investigations. 

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

PGPD Releases Photo of Burglary Suspect

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying the suspect seen in the above surveillance photograph.  He’s wanted in connection with several burglaries in Beltsville and College Park between September 20-22, 2013.  A cash reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

The suspect is a black male, approximately 6’3”, 250 pounds, last seen wearing a white long sleeve shirt, light-colored pants and a tan hat.  The suspect drove away from one of the burglaries in the earlier model Ford Escape pictured above.

Anyone with information about his identity or whereabouts is urged to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Regional Investigative Division - North at (301) 699-2601. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call 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.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

PGPD Honors Patrol Officers of the Month

PGPD patrol officers are out in our communities day and night, committed to protecting and serving the citizens of Prince George’s County.  They do remarkable work each day, which often goes unnoticed.  We’d like to introduce you to the Patrol Officers of the Month for August.

District I Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer Nicole McGowen

On August 18, 2013, Police Officer Nicole McGowen was called to Fernwood Terrace for a welfare check.  When she arrived, Police Officer McGowen spotted a fire in an apartment and quickly learned from witnesses that someone was inside the building.  Without hesitation, Police Officer McGowen ran into the building and yelled out to try to find any victims.  At that point, the patrol officer heard a man yell back.  Police Officer McGowen ran to help and found a woman lying on the floor and the man standing nearby.  The woman informed Police Officer McGowen that she didn’t want to leave and was considering harming herself. Police Officer McGowen picked up the woman, carried her down the step and outside to safety.  Fire crews arrived soon after and put out the flames.

District II Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer Mohamed Magassouba

On August 14, 2013, Police Officer Mohamed Magassouba conducted a traffic stop on Glendale Road.  While approaching, the patrol officer smelled what he suspected was marijuana coming from the car.   During a pat down, Police Officer Magassouba found suspected marijuana in the driver’s sock.  While searching the car, Police Officer Magassouba discovered a backpack with nearly 60 grams of the drug.  The driver was arrested. 

District III Police Officer of the Month

Corporal Rodney Patterson

On August 30, 2013, Corporal Rodney Patterson was called to Brooks Drive for the report of an assault.  The victim gave Corporal Patterson a description of the suspect’s car.  Corporal Patterson located the car a short time later and conducted a traffic stop.  During a search of the vehicle, Corporal Patterson found a weapon used in the assault.  The suspect was arrested. 

District IV Police Officers of the Month

Police Officer Madeline Sewell

Police Officer Pernell Jackson

On August 12, 2013, Police Officers Madeline Sewell and Pernell Jackson conducted a traffic stop on Livingston Road.  During the stop, the patrol officers noticed the three passengers behaving in a suspicious manner and then spotted a gun partially hidden underneath a backpack in the back seat.   The gun was within reach of all of the passengers.  The three suspects were arrested.

District V Police Officers of the Month

Police Officer Christopher Harman

Police Officer First Class Jeffery Azumah

On August 8, 2013, Police Officer Christopher Harman and Police Officer First Class Jeffery Azumah responded to a burglary alarm on Dew Drop Way.  When the first officer arrived in the area, he spotted two men walking nearby. Once the officer verified the burglary, he broadcast a lookout for the two men he had just seen walking.  A witness also called in a description of the suspects’ car.  The second patrol officer spotted that car and conducted a traffic stop.  The two passengers were arrested.  The investigation reveals the suspects were linked to several other burglaries in the area.

                            

District VI Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer Matthew Hansen

On August 12, 2013, Police Officer Matthew Hansen spotted a man smoking suspected marijuana near a hotel on Bowie Road.  As Police Officer Hansen approached, he smelled suspected marijuana.  The suspect tried to hide the drug in his hand.  While speaking to the suspect, Police Officer Hansen learned the man was renting a room at a the hotel and had more drugs in his room. During a search of the room, Police Officer Hansen and another responding patrol officer found additional drugs and more than $2,500 in cash.  The suspect was arrested on drug charges.

PGPD Investigates Fatal Collision in University Park

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal single-car collision in University Park.  The victim is identified as Teresa Sariano, of the 5100 block of 54th Avenue in Hyattsville.

On September 22, 2013, at about 7:00 pm, patrol officers were called to Baltimore Avenue at Wells Parkway for the report of a collision.  Upon arrival, patrol officers discovered a car overturned in a ditch.  Sariano was transported to an area hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

The preliminary investigation reveals the car was heading northbound on Baltimore Avenue.  For reasons which remain unclear, the driver crossed into the southbound lanes and struck a curb on Wells Parkway. The car went down into a ditch and landed on its roof.  The driver and two additional passengers were transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. 

The investigation into this fatal accident is ongoing.  Preliminarily, alcohol does not appear to be a factor.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at (301) 306-5640. 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.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

Follow Us on Twitter: @PGPDNews

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

PGPD Educates Drivers About Preventing Gas Station Thefts

The Prince George’s County Police Department is working to educate our community about thefts from cars.  Community officers from District II engaged commuters on September 23, 2013, passing out safety flyers at a gas station in Bowie.  Suspects targeted two cars at the Safeway gas station on September 6, 2013.  The suspects were able to quickly gain entry to the unlocked vehicles, as the drivers were distracted at the pump.

While the number of thefts from cars is down nearly 13% this year, we are confident we can further reduce that number if drivers follow a few safety tips:

•  Always lock your car, even if you are standing nearby.
• If you leave your car to enter the store, remove valuables or lock them in your trunk.
•  Always pay attention to your surroundings, and avoid distractions such as talking on your cell phone.

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

PGPD to Educate Drivers About Preventing Gas Station Thefts

It’s a crime of opportunity.  A driver is pumping gas and a thief targets their car. The thief quietly opens a door, snatches a valuable item that’s out in plain view and then flees.  At one gas station in Bowie, the same suspect was caught on surveillance camera targeting two cars, one right after the other. 

The number of thefts from cars is down nearly 13% countywide this year. The PGPD is committed to lowering that number even more.  On Monday, District II COPS officers will educate morning commuters about this crime and how best to prevent it.  Police officers will pass out safety flyers and also tape copies to the pumps at a gas stations in Bowie.

When:   Monday, September 23, 2013

Time:    8:30 am

Where: Safeway Gas Station

              12410 Fairwood Parkway

              Bowie, MD

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

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PGPD to Hold Child Car Seat Check in Riverdale

The Prince George’s County Police Department would like parents and guardians to join us this weekend to ensure that your children are traveling safely.

The PGPD and the Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union will hold a car seat check this Saturday in Riverdale. 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:  Saturday, September 21, 2013

Time:    9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Where: St. Bernard Church

             5700 Saint Bernard Drive

             Riverdale, MD

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

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