PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Richard 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 to Hold Car Seat Check at FedEx Field

The Prince George’s County Police Department and the Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union will hold a car seat check at FedEx Field on Tuesday, July 1, 2014. The event is free and open to the public.

Certified car seat technicians will ensure that car seats and boosters are properly installed. All car 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.

We are asking interested citizens to register for this event.  Please call the Car Seat Service Station line at 301-772-4880 to schedule a time.

Who:        Prince George’s County Police Department

                 Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union

                 Maryland Kids in Safety Seats (KISS)

When:      Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Time:       10:30 am – 1:30 pm

Where:    FedEx Field
                1600 FedEx Way

                Landover, MD

              

We’re also hosting child car seat checks on the first Thursday of each month. The monthly event will move to different locations throughout the county.

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

PGPD Searches for Missing Child

Update: June 27, 2014, the missing child has been located in good health.

Samantha Ayala

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the public’s help in finding a missing child. She is identified as 11-year-old Samantha Nallely Ayala. She was last seen in the 11200 block of Evans Trail in Beltsville on June 26, 2014, at 5:00 pm.

Ayala is described as a Hispanic female, 4’2” and 85 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black and white shirt, black pants and brown sandals.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Regional Investigation Division – Northern Region at (301) 937-0910.

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

PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer James 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. He was raised in Riverdale and graduated from Parkdale High School. He started the police academy on October 28, 1973, following in the footsteps of his father, a retired sergeant with the Metropolitan Police Department. Police Officer Swart graduated on March 4, 1974, and was assigned to the Hyattsville station.

On June 26, 1978, at about 1:30 am, Police Officer Swart and Police Officer Albert M. Claggett, stopped a car on Annapolis Road in Bladensburg.  The car matched the suspect description in the theft of laundry room coin boxes from a nearby apartment complex. The two occupants were arrested and taken to the Hyattsville station. While the suspects were being processed, one of them suddenly ripped Officer Claggett’s service weapon from his holster and opened fire. Hearing gunfire from another part of the station, Police Officer Swart rushed to assist Officer Claggett.  The armed suspect shot Officer Swart in the chest as he approached.  Officer Swart was rushed to the hospital where he sadly died of his injuries.  Tragically, Officer Claggett died of his injuries too.  

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 17th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George’s County.

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

PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Albert Claggett

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. 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 started the police academy shortly thereafter, following in the footsteps of his father, retired Prince George's County 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. 

On June 26, 1978, at about 1:30 am, Police Officer Claggett and Police Officer James B. Swart stopped a car on Annapolis Road in Bladensburg. The car matched the suspect description in the theft of laundry room coin boxes from a nearby apartment complex. The two occupants were arrested and taken to the Hyattsville station. While processing the suspects, one of the men suddenly ripped Officer Claggett’s weapon from his holster and opened fire. Officer Claggett was seriously wounded and was rushed to the hospital. Sadly, he died of his injuries a short time later. Police Officer Swart was also shot as he tried to assist Officer Claggett. Tragically, Police Officer Swart also succumbed to 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 enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George's County. 

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

WANTED WEDNESDAY

Updated June 26, 2014: Terrance Brawner was found and arrested this afternoon in Washington D.C.

Attempted 1^st Degree Murder Suspect

Terrance Brawner

Our Regional Investigation Division – Southern Region is looking for Terrance Antonio Brawner.  His last known address is in the 2900 block of Saint Clair Drive in Temple Hills. He’s wanted in connection with a non-fatal shooting in the 6400 block of Old Branch Avenue in Temple Hills. The investigation reveals he got into an argument with a man. During that argument, Brawner shot the man and a second victim. Both survived. If you know where we can find Brawner, please call 301-749-5064. You can also call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. You won’t have to give your name.

Armed Robbery Suspect

Daquan Jamal Hood

Detectives are also looking for Daquan Jamal Hood of the 9900 block of Greenbelt Road in Lanham. He’s wanted in connection with the armed robbery of a man in the 9900 block of Greenbelt Road at 9:45 pm on June 17, 2014. Have info on his whereabouts? Please call 301-390-2160 or call Crimes Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Attempted Commercial Robbery

Antonio William Arrington

We are also looking for Antonio William Arrington of no fixed address. Our investigation reveals he tried to rob a grocery store in the 8800 block of Greenbelt Road in Greenbelt on June 21, 2014. If you have seen Arrington, please call our detectives at 301-390-2160. Or call Crimes Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

PGPD to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Operations Division will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint this Friday, June 27 2014, from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am. Officers will be focusing on the central portion of the county.

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

PGPD to Join International Police Departments for Global Police Tweet-a-Thon

The Prince George’s County Police Department is once again taking part in the Global Police Tweet-a-Thon. This Friday, the PGPD will join police departments from around the world for the tweeting event—including agencies in Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Iceland, Australia and New Zealand.

From lunchtime to bedtime, the Media Relations Division will be busy tweeting while riding along with several of our specialty units and our COPS officers. We’ll also share details about the department’s 2014 Summer Crime Initiative.

Follow @PGPDNews and use the hashtag #poltwt (short for police tweet) to join the conversation on Friday.

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

Who:  Prince George’s County Police Department’s Media Relations Division

When:  Friday, June 27, 2014

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

PGPD Arrests Man for Indecent Exposure Near Neighborhood Pool

Kevin Derrick Hoggard

The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested a man for indecent exposure in Bowie. The suspect is 51-year-old Kevin Derrick Hoggard of the 11400 block of Deep Wood Drive.

On June 23, 2014, employees at a neighborhood pool called police to report a man masturbating in an upstairs window of a nearby home. That house is roughly 25 yards from the pool. The employees told detectives the same man was seen naked and masturbating outside of the home on June 17, 2014, at about 1:30 pm. Police were not called after that incident. In both cases, visitors to the pool witnessed the illegal behavior.

Detectives identified Hoggard as the suspect. He was arrested at his home on June 24, 2014. He’s charged with two counts of indecent exposure. He remains in custody at the Department of Corrections.

Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to call the Prince George's County Police Department's Regional Investigation Division – Central 301-772-4911. 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.

Suspect Charged with Assaulting Officer After Police-Involved Shooting in Bladensburg

Updated June 24, 2014: The involved officer is identified as Sergeant Milton Chabla. The 16-year veteran is assigned to the Bureau of Patrol – District I. He remains on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Prince George's County Police Department is investigating a police-involved shooting in Bladensburg. The Special Investigative Response Team (SIRT) is handling the investigation.

The suspect in this incident is identified as 22-year-old Ivanilov Tembi Fomukong of the 5200 block of Tilden Road in Bladensburg.

On June 22, 2014, at approximately 11:48 pm, Fomukong approached a patrol officer who was parked in his marked cruiser in the 5400 block of Annapolis Road. He knocked on the officer's window, and the officer partially rolled down the window. Fomukong was speaking incoherently and spat into the officer's cruiser.

The officer got out to address him and saw that he was armed with a large butcher knife.  The officer called for back-up.  A responding officer deployed a Taser but it had no effect. Fearing for the safety of himself and officers on scene, the involved officer discharged his service weapon, striking Fomukong in the leg.

The suspect is being treated at a hospital with what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries. An arrest warrant was obtained for Fomukong charging him with three counts of 1^st degree assault and 2^nd degree assault.

The involved patrol officer is a 16-year veteran of the Prince George's County Police Department. He is on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. There were no injuries to officers on the scene.

Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to call the Prince George's County Police Department's Special Investigative Response Team 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 tips" to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online.

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

PGPD Searches for Missing Child

Updated June 24, 2014: The missing child has been located.  She was returned home safely and is with her family. 

Mya Latonya Farrar

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the public’s help in finding a missing child. She is identified as 12-year-old Mya Latonya Farrar. She was last seen in the 2900 block of Mills Crossing Drive in Fort Washington on June 21, 2014, at 8:00 pm.

Farrar is described as an African American female, 5’ and 115 pounds. She was last seen wearing a light blue and white top with dark blue pants. 

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Regional Investigation Division – Southern Region at (301) 749-5064.

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

PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Sergeant Steven Gaughan

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero, Sergeant Steven F. Gaughan, lost this day in 2005 during a traffic stop in Laurel. 

Sergeant Gaughan was born on June 16, 1964, in Boston, Massachusetts. He joined the Prince George’s County Police Department on March 12, 1990. When he graduated from the academy, Sergeant Gaughan was assigned to the District III station. He was later transferred to the District VI station where he served as a patrol officer and as a member of the Special Assignment Team.

On the morning of June 21, 2005, members of the District VI Special Assignment Team attempted to stop a car on Laurel Bowie Road in Laurel. The car fled a short distance before stopping on South Laurel Drive. The passenger, who was armed with a loaded handgun, jumped out of the car and began running away. Sergeant Gaughan and members of his team chased after the suspect. During the chase, the suspect opened fire, wounding Sergeant Gaughan. He was flown by the United States Park Police Aviation Unit to Prince George’s Hospital Center, where sadly, he died a short time later. The suspect was arrested on the scene and later convicted of first degree murder.

Sergeant Gaughan served the Prince George's County Police Department for 15 years and was the 24th member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice. He was the 46th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George's County.

At the time of his death, Sergeant Steven F. Gaughan was 41 years old and survived by his wife and two young children.

PGPD Releases Video of Convenience Store Armed Robbery

The Prince George’s County Police Department is asking for our community’s help in identifying two suspects captured on surveillance camera robbing a convenience store in Oxon Hill.

On June 18, 2014, at about 5:00 am, the suspects walked into the store in the 6800 block of Livingston Road. One of the suspects pulled out a gun. They forced employees to open the cash registers. The masked suspects then grabbed cash and ran from the store.

Anyone with information on the identity of these suspects 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 a CASH REWARD up $1000 for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment in this case.

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