PGPD Patrol Officers Catch Escaped Inmate

Larence Godfrey

Prince George's County Police patrol officers arrested the inmate who escaped this morning from the Dorsey Run Correctional Facility in Jessup, MD.

The patrol officers were called to the 2500 block of Oxon Run Drive in Hillcrest Heights at about 6:15 pm for the report of a suspicious person.  A tipster called 911 to alert the PGPD that Larence Godfrey was in a home on Oxon Run Drive.  Responding patrol officers immediately set up a perimeter around the house.  Godfrey tried to run from the back of the home.  He was quickly caught.  Godfrey has since been returned to the facility in Anne Arundel County.  Godfrey had been sentenced in 2002 for attempted murder.

For additional information about the arrest of Godfrey, please call the Prince George's County Police Department's Media Relations Division at 301-772-4710.  Any questions about Godfrey's escape should be directed to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment

Police Chief Mark Magaw announced today a team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), will arrive next week to examine all aspects of the Prince George’s County Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

“Verification by the team that the Prince George’s County Police Department meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation or in our case re-accreditation - a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Police Chief Magaw said.

As part of the assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at 6 pm. The session will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room, Police Services Complex, 7600 Barlowe Road, Palmer Park, Maryland.

If someone is unable to attend and speak at the public information session, but still wishes to provide comments to the assessment team, he or she may do so by contacting the assessors at (301) 772-4926 on April 8 from 2-4 pm.

Telephone comments, like comments at the public information session, may be limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA’s standards.  A copy of the standards is available for review at the PGPD. The point of contact is Cpl. Stephen Burd who can be reached at (301) 772-4229 or sburd@co.pg.md.us.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Department’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation may write: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Virginia 20155.

Chief Magaw said achieving and maintaining accreditation requires the Department to comply with over 400 standards.  “Accreditation is very important to our Department and to those we serve because it is a meaningful way of measuring ourselves against internationally-recognized standards, and fits perfectly with our commitment to excellence.”

For more information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., please write the Commission at address above or call (703) 352-4225.

PGPD Honors Patrol Officers of the Month

Spring is finally here after a long and at times difficult winter. Despite the cold (and lots of snow) our patrol officers suited up every day to protect our communities.  Here is just a sample of their good works.  Here are the patrol officers of the month for February 2014. 

District I Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer First Class Arturo Navarro

On February 1, 2014, Police Officer First Class Arturo Navarro spotted two suspects wearing black masks running from a convenience store on Chillum Road.  The suspects saw the marked cruiser and ran toward a nearby apartment building.  POFC Navarro began to chase one of the suspects while broadcasting a lookout for the second suspect.  Backup patrol officers set up a perimeter.  The two suspects were quickly caught and arrested.

District II Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer Thomas Kosakowski

On February 19, 2014, Police Officer Thomas Kosakowski was called to Halloway North in Upper Marlboro for the report of a suspicious car.  When he arrived, he saw the car sitting with its engine running.  When Police Officer Kosakowski approached to speak to the driver, he smelled a strong odor of suspected marijuana coming from the car.  The driver admitted to having marijuana.  Police Officer Kosakowski searched the car and found a plastic container with nearly 100 grams of suspected marijuana and a digital scale.  The driver was arrested.

District III Police Officer of the Month

Police Officer Anthony Ayers Jr.

On February 10, 2014, while on routine patrol on Silver Hill Road, Police Officer Anthony Ayers spotted a white van parked in an alley in the back of a shopping center.  Since there are no public access roads to get to the back of that shopping center and due to several commercial robberies in that area, Police Officer Ayers approached to speak with the occupants of the van.   As he got closer,  he saw that three of the four men inside had what appeared to be masks rolled up on top of their heads.  While speaking to the occupants, Police Officer Ayers learned the van’s registration was expired.  The occupants also couldn’t answer why they were sitting behind the shopping center.  Police Officer Ayers asked to search the van.  When the occupants got out, the driver began to run away.  Police Officer Ayers ran after him and quickly caught him.  Backup patrol officers arrived.  During a search of the van, two loaded handgun were recovered. One of the guns was stolen.  The four men were arrested.

District IV Police Officers of the Month

Corporal Devon Thompson

Police Officer Dontavia Estep

On February 18, 2014, Corporal Devon Thompson and Police Officer Dontavia Estep spoke to a man who had just been robbed at gunpoint.  The patrol officers spotted the suspect running down Silver Hill Road and began to chase him.  The chase ended at an apartment building on Terrace Drive.  The patrol officers found and arrested the suspect in a hallway.  Backup officers and a K9 team searched the area and located two handguns in the back of the building.

District V Police Officer of the Month

Sergeant Joshua Brackett

On February 12, 2014, Sergeant Joshua Brackett saw a car speeding near Schultz Road.  He conducted a traffic stop and when speaking to the driver, Sergeant Brackett smelled suspected marijuana coming from the car.  A search of the car revealed a loaded handgun, more than 50 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.  The driver was arrested.

District VI Police Officers of the Month

Sergeant Gerard Manley

Police Officer David Varona Jr.

Police Officer Jessica Johnson

   

On February 14, 2014, Sergeant Gerard Manley and Police Officers David Varona and Jessica Johnson responded to an alarm at a business on Hanna Street. When they arrived, they discovered a van parked suspiciously on the side of the building.  A yellow crowbar was spotted on the van’s floorboard.  As the patrol officers checked the area, they found that an exterior door had been pried open.   A perimeter was immediately established around the store.  A short time later, the suspect walked out of the store and was arrested.  The man is suspected to be involved in several other commercial burglaries in the county and neighboring jurisdictions.

PGPD Seeks Information in Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Run

Updated March 31, 2014: Investigators believe the white pickup truck, which struck and killed William Altamirano, may have a headlight out.  Anyone with information about this hit-and-run is urged to call the Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Unit at (301) 731-4422.  

The Prince George's County Police Department is investigating a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run in Bladensburg.  The victim is identified as 42-year-old William Altamirano of Mango Drive in West Palm Beach, FL.  Investigators would like to speak with anyone who witnessed this collision or has information on the involved pickup truck.

On March 29, 2014, at about 12:40 am, patrol officers were called to the 4900 block of Annapolis Road for a pedestrian collision.  When they arrived, they found Altamirano in the roadway with critical injuries. He later died at a hospital.

The preliminary investigation reveals Altamirano was trying to cross Annapolis Road when he was hit by a white pickup truck that was heading westbound.  The driver did not stay on the scene.  Altamirano was not in a crosswalk.

Anyone with information about this hit-and-run is urged to call the Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Unit at (301) 731-4422.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or text, “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. You may also submit a tip online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com.

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

Resident Fatally Shoots Suspect During Armed Robbery in Suitland

Daquawn Lubin

Michael Hall

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a residential armed robbery in Suitland which left one of the suspects dead.  The deceased suspect is identified as 26-year-old Dexter John Manigault of the 3500 block of Commodore Joshua Barney Drive in Northeast Washington.  Two additional suspects connected to the robbery have been arrested.  They are identified as 19-year-old Daquawn Lubin of the 1500 block of North Pierce Street in Arlington, Virginia, and 27-year-old Michael William Hall of the 2500 block of Elvans Road in Southeast Washington.

On March 28, 2014, at about 7:15 pm, patrol officers responded to the 2600 block of Shadyside Avenue for a residential robbery and shooting.  The preliminary investigation reveals that two armed and masked men forced their way into the victims' apartment and tried to rob them at gunpoint.  During the robbery, one of the residents began fighting with Manigault over his gun.  During the struggle, Manigault was shot.  Manigault and the second suspect, Hall, ran from the apartment and into a getaway car.  The three suspects then drove to a firehouse in Northeast Washington to get aid for Manigault.  He later died at a hospital. 

Preliminarily, detectives are looking into the possibility the robbery was drug related.  Lubin and Hall face charges related to the robbery.  They are in custody in the District awaiting extradition to Prince George's County.  The residents are cooperating with detectives.  No criminal charges related to the shooting are being placed at this time.

Anyone with information 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 www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.  A reward of up to $25,000 is offered to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

Follow Us on Twitter: @PGPDNews

Facebook: PGPDNews1

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

PGPD Remembers Fallen Military Hero Corporal Robert Hernandez

It was eight years ago today that we lost our brother, Corporal Robert Hernandez.  The Staff Sergeant with the US Army Reserves was killed in a roadside explosion while deployed in Iraq on this day in 2006.

 

Corporal Hernandez joined the Prince George's County Police Department on December 23, 1996.  He was assigned to District I in Hyattsville for six years before being transferred to District II in Bowie. 

While serving with our department, Corporal Hernandez mentored children at a local elementary school.  In 2000, his squad won a citation for organizing care packages for those in need in Mozambique.      

At the time of his death, Corporal Hernandez was 47 years old and survived by his two sons. He is the first member of the Prince George’s County Police Department to give his life in service to the United States Armed Forces.

Media Advisory: PGPD Releases Sketch of Suspect Who Sexually Assaulted Elderly Woman

This evening, detectives will revisit the Riverdale community where a 95-year-old woman was sexually assaulted. Detectives will pass out a sketch of the suspect that was completed today.

On February, 21, 2014, at about 9:40 pm, patrol officers were called to the 6100 block of 63rd Avenue for the report of a sexual assault. When they arrived, they learned the elderly victim had just been sexually assaulted by a man who broke into her home.

WHO:  Julie Parker, Media Relations Division Director, Prince George’s County Police Department

WHEN:   TODAY March 27, 2014

TIME:     5:00 pm

WHERE: 63^rd Avenue & Roanoke Avenue

                Riverdale, MD

Members of the media are encouraged to attend. A Spanish-speaking police officer will be available. For more information, please call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Media Relations Division at (301) 772-4710.

Up to $70,000 Available for Info Leading to Murder Suspect Kahlil Tatum & Missing Girl

The Prince George’s County Police Department is offering up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of 51-year-old Kahlil Tatum. He’s wanted for first degree murder in the death of his wife, 51-year-old Andrea Tatum, after her body was discovered in an Oxon Hill motel room.

The United States Attorney’s Office in Maryland has also charged Tatum with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.  The FBI is now offering up to $20,000 for info leading to Tatum’s arrest.

Additionally, the FBI is offering up to $25,000 for information leading to the location and return of Relisha Rudd, a missing 8-year-old girl from Washington, DC.

If you have any information on the murder of Andrea Tatum, please call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.  You won't have to give your name. If you have information on the whereabouts of Relisha Rudd, please call 911 immediately.  You can also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

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

PGPD Sergeant Teaches Courses at Anti-Gang Conference In Mexico

Sergeant George Norris (2nd from right)

Sergeant George Norris of the PGPD’s Gang Unit recently travelled to Mexico for the 2nd Annual International Anti-Gang Conference.  The conference attracts hundreds of participants from law enforcement agencies in the US, Mexico and Central America.

Sergeant Norris taught three courses at the conference – The History and Structure of Street Gangs, Deciphering/Reading Gang Signs and Body Language and Officer Safety.

Sergeant Norris also took several classes to help broaden his already extensive knowledge about gangs. “The conference allows the PGPD to implement best practices taken from across the globe.  By networking with international law enforcement agencies, we increase our ability to combat criminal activity associated with gangs.  Gangs do not recognize borders or jurisdictions, so it is vitally important to have these connections,” said Sgt. Norris.  He also attended the conference last year.

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

WANTED WEDNESDAY

Homicide Suspect Kahlil Tatum

Kahlil Tatum

We hope you’re already familiar with this suspect’s face.  We’re committed to keeping his photo circulating.  Kahlil Tatum is wanted here in Prince George’s County for the murder of his wife, 51-year-old Andrea Tatum.  Her body was discovered in an Oxon Hill hotel room last week.  We're offering up to $25,000 for information leading to his arrest and indictment.

Additionally, the FBI is offering up to $25,000 for information leading to the location and return of Relisha Rudd, a missing 8-year-old girl from Washington, D.C.  Our law enforcement partners released this video showing Tatum and Rudd on February 26, 2014, at a hotel in the District.

Bank Robbery Suspect on Camera

This bank robbery suspect’s outfit certainly stands out.  We showed you his picture last Wednesday.  Now, here’s video of him robbing the bank in the 7100 block of Temple Hill Road in Camp Springs on March 18, 2014.  The suspect had on a black wig, sunglasses, a burgundy baseball cap, a blue and black sweater and a pink scarf.  He was also carrying a green canvas bag.  If you have any information that could help our detectives, please call 301-772-4905 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Suspect Targets Convenience Store

Detectives are also searching for this suspect.  He tried to rob a convenience store at gunpoint on March 23, 2014.  The store is located in the 3700 block of Branch Avenue in Temple Hills.  No one was hurt during the attempted robbery.  The suspect sped away in a silver, four-door sedan.

Suspect Strikes Same Store Twice

Sept 2013                     March 2014

Our robbery detectives are asking for the community’s help to find this suspect.  The investigation reveals he’s robbed the same drugstore twice – in September of 2013 and again on March 25, 2014.  The targeted store is in the 4800 block of Marlboro Pike in Capitol Heights.  In the most recent robbery, the suspect posed as a customer before demanding cash from an employee.  After grabbing cash, he ran away towards Benning Road.  If you have any information on this suspect, please call 301-772-4905 or 1-866-411-TIPS.

PGPD Arrests Four Bank Robbery Suspects

Emonnie Barnes

Octavious Brown

Derrick Kearney

Lavonne Flemming

                                          

The Prince George's County Police Department made quick arrests in an Accokeek bank robbery.  The suspects are identified as 19-year-old Emonnie Latasha Barnes of the 3600 block of Hayes Street in Northeast Washington, 21-year-old Octavious Brown of the 2300 block of Tuemmler Avenue in Landover, 25-year-old Lavonne Geneva Flemming and 18-year-old Derrick Lamont Kearney, both of the 1300 block of Columbia Road in Northwest Washington.

On March 25, 2014, at about 1:50 pm, patrol officers were called to the Old Line Bank in the 15800 block of Livingston Road for a robbery.  The preliminary investigation reveals Barnes initially posed as a bank customer. When she walked out of the bank, Brown walked in.  Brown approached a teller and passed a note demanding money.  He jumped in a getaway car with an undisclosed amount of money.

Bank employees were able to give patrol officers a description of the suspects’ car.  A short time later, an officer spotted and stopped the car.  The four suspects were inside and were all arrested. Detectives have since discovered the getaway car was stolen.

The four suspects face multiple charges related to the robbery. They remain in the custody of the Department of Corrections.

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 message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online. Crime Solvers is offering aCASH REWARD up $1000 for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment in this case.

Follow Us on Twitter: @PGPDNews

Facebook: PGPDNews

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

Up to $50,000 Available for Information Leading to Murder Suspect Kahlil Tatum & Missing Girl

The Prince George’s County Police Department is offering up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of 51-year-old Kahlil Tatum. He’s wanted for first degree murder in the death of his wife, 51-year-old Andrea Tatum, after her body was discovered in an Oxon Hill motel room.

Additionally, the FBI is offering up to $25,000 for information leading to the location and return of Relisha Rudd, a missing 8-year-old girl from Washington, DC. 

The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Prince George's County Police Department, the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Anyone with information is asked to call their local law enforcement or the FBI.

New Photos Released of Kahlil Tatum, Murder Suspect & Relisha Rudd, Missing Girl

Joint press release from PGPD, MPDC, and FBI

Law enforcement authorities released today additional photographs of missing 8-year old Relisha Tenau Rudd, described as a black female, 4’0”, weighing approximately 70 to 80 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and a medium complexion.

Law enforcement authorities also released an additional photograph of Kahlil Malik Tatum, of the 2500 block of N Street in Southeast Washington, and are seeking information about this individual in connection with this investigation. Tatum is described as a black male, 5’7” and 170 pounds.

An arrest warrant has been issued in Prince George’s County, Md., for 51-year-old Tatum, for the murder of his wife, 51-year-old Andrea Denise Tatum also of N Street, Southeast Washington. The victim was discovered in a motel room in the 6100 block of Oxon Hill Road on Thursday, March 20, 2014. A reward of up to $25,000 is offered to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. 

The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Metropolitan Police Department, Prince George’s County (Md.) Police Department and the FBI’s Washington Field Office.  Anyone with information is asked to call their local law enforcement office or the FBI.

PGPD Searches for Critical Missing Person

Update: Saturday, March 22, 2014: Missing person was found and returned home in good health.

Stella Jawara

The Prince George’s County Police Department is asking for our community’s help in finding a critical missing person.  She is identified as 65-year-old Stella Jawara, of the 1800 block of Greenwich Woods Drive in Silver Spring.  She was last seen near her home on March 22, 2014, at about 11:00 am.  Jawara suffers from Alzheimer’s and may be in need of medication.

Jawara is described as a black female, 5’5” and 185 pounds. She wears glasses and was last seen wearing a brown sweater with brown pants.

If anyone has information on her whereabouts, please call the 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.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

Follow Us on Twitter: @PGPDNews

Facebook: PGPDNews 

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