PGPD Seizes Packages of Marijuana-Infused Candy

Press conference video

In just a few hours, thousands of children in our community will put on their costumes for an evening of trick-or-treating. But before they go, we want residents to be aware of a drug-related seizure in our county this week. Our Narcotic Enforcement Division along with the Maryland Area Drug Task Force seized several boxes of candy infused with marijuana. The boxes arrived in Prince George’s County from the west coast and Colorado. The candy includes taffy, mint chocolate bars, blueberry chocolate bars and banana-walnut chocolate bars. Each piece of this candy contains 100 milligrams of THC.

“This is the first time we’ve seen this product in Prince George’s County. Despite the on-going investigation, we felt it important to let our community know that products like this exist so parents and guardians ensure the candy doesn’t somehow wind up in their children’s Halloween candy bag,” said Captain Chuck Hamby, Narcotic Enforcement Division Assistant Commander.

Captain Hamby will be available to speak with members of the media today at police headquarters at 10:30 am.

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

PGPD Investigates Fatal Collision in Bowie

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal collision in Bowie which left one person dead.  The victim is identified as 66-year-old Calvin Willett, of Undermire Court in Bowie.

On October 30, 2014, at about 6:50 am, patrol officers were called to 11000 block of Lanham Severn Road in Bowie for the report of a crash involving three cars. The preliminary investigation suggests the driver of a Chevrolet was traveling northbound on Lanham Severn Road.  For reasons which remain unclear, the Chevrolet crossed into the southbound lanes and struck a Toyota head on.  A Lexus, which was also in the southbound lane, was unable to avoid the initial crash, and was struck in a secondary collision.

Willett, the driver of the Toyota, was rushed to a hospital where he died a short time later.  The driver of the Chevrolet was taken to a hospital in serious condition.  The driver of the Lexus was not injured.

Anyone with information on this collision 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.

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

PGPD Investigates Attempted Child Abduction

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating the attempted abduction of an 8-year-old child in Temple Hills.

On October 30, 2014, at about 7:00 am, patrol officers were called to the 2900 block of Brinkley Road for an attempted abduction.  The victim told officers that a man driving a car stopped ahead of him as he was walking towards his bus stop.  The man allegedly got out of the car and pointed a gun at the child.  A woman got out of the passenger side of the car, and reportedly told the child to get into the car.  The victim began running, at which time the suspects drove away.  The victim reported the incident after arriving at school.

Detectives are working to identify the two suspects.  They are described as a black male and black female, both between the ages of 20-30.  Both suspects were wearing dark clothing.  They left the area in a light colored, possibly gray, passenger car.

Anyone with information on the identity of these suspects is urged to call the Regional Investigation Division - Southern at 301-749-5064. 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.

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

Chief Magaw Announces Suspensions of Two Officers After Indictments

Two Prince George’s County Police officers remain on suspension after being indicted in separate cases by a grand jury on Thursday.  

Police Officer First Class Charles Pickard faces charges of assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office. The allegations involve conduct which occurred while Officer Pickard was on duty on November 12, 2013.

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division launched an administrative and criminal investigation after learning of the incident through a routine, internal use of force review. Officer Pickard’s police powers were suspended on November 14, 2013. He remains suspended with pay pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

Pickard has been employed by the PGPD for six years and was assigned to the Bureau of Patrol. 

  

Police Officer First Class Jerry Thomas faces charges of misconduct in office. The allegations involve conduct which occurred while Officer Thomas was on duty in late 2012.

The Internal Affairs Division launched an administrative investigation in early 2013, following a routine, internal use of force review. When the administrative investigation was complete, the investigation was forwarded to the State’s Attorney’s Office. Officer Thomas’s police powers were suspended in November of 2013.  He remains suspended with pay pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

Thomas has been employed by the PGPD for five years and was assigned to the Bureau of Patrol.

 “I want to make it clear to our community, that these cases were not brought about as a result of citizen complaints. Through our Internal Review Process, the Police Department identified conduct that was presented to the grand jury which has led to the indictments today of two of our officers. I respect the grand jury's decision and now the judicial process will decide the facts of these matters. I want to assure the residents of our county that we are dedicated to transparent and ethical policing. Our community has my word that this, and their safety, are my overriding goals,” said Chief Mark Magaw.

Chief Magaw along with Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks will address these indictments today outside of the Prince George’s County Courthouse in Upper Marlboro. The news conference is set for 2:00 pm.

For more information, please contact the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office at 301-952-2848.

Tips For Staying Safe This Halloween

It’s Trick-or-Treat time!  To help parents and children in our community have an enjoyable Halloween, we offer the following safety tips:

For Trick-or-Treaters and Parents: 

• Wear a costume that makes it easy for you to walk in and to be seen in.
• An adult should always accompany smaller children.
• Older children should travel in groups.
• Know the route your child intends to take, and set a time that they should return home.
• Carry a flashlight and make sure that some sort of reflective material is incorporated into the costume.
• Utilize sidewalks when available and try to stay in well-lit areas. Never dart out between parked cars. Always cross at corners and crosswalks.
• An outside light on front of a house is usually a sign that trick-or-treaters are welcome. Avoid going to houses that are not lit.

For Drivers:

• Drive slowly! Be aware that young trick-or-treaters may dart out from between parked cars.
• Do not drive a vehicle while wearing a mask of any sort. Your visibility could be obscured.
• Stop at all crosswalks.
• 
  

We hope your Halloween is both enjoyable and safe.

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 Beltsville

Please mark your calendars. The Prince George’s County Police Department and the Prince George's Community Federal Credit Union Maryland Kids In Safety Seats (KISS) will hold a car seat check this Saturday. 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.

Who:        Prince George’s County Police Department

                Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union

                Maryland Kids In Safety Seats (KISS)

When:      Saturday, November 1, 2014

Time:       10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Where:     Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union

                6985 Muirkirk Meadows Rd.

                Beltsville, MD 20705

              

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

WANTED WEDNESDAY

Sub Shop Robbery

Robbery unit detectives want to find the two men who brazenly robbed a sub shop on October 19, 2014. The armed robbery in the 6700 block of Annapolis Road was caught on surveillance video. The two suspects jump the counter and head for the back room and confront two employees. One of the suspects grabs cash from the register. A suspect also searches an office looking for valuables. After grabbing cash and other items, the two suspects jump back over the counter and run from the store. If you have any information that could help our detectives find these suspects and close this case, please call 301-772-4905 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Armed Robbery

Detectives are looking for the suspect in these photos. He’s one of two suspects wanted for robbing a victim in the 1400 block of Doewood Lane in Capitol Heights on October 20, 2014, at about 11:30 pm. After stealing cash from the victim, the suspects ran away. The victim was not hurt. If you know the identity of this suspect, please call 301-772-4480 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. You will not have to give your name.

Carjacking at Carwash

Investigators also want to find the two suspects who carjacked a victim at a car wash in the 5000 block of Marlboro Pike in Capitol Heights. The incident was caught on surveillance camera. The suspects ran up to the car as the victim stood nearby. The victim wasn’t hurt. An employee who was in the car at the time the suspects approached managed to safely escape before they sped off. Have info on this case? Please call 301-772-4480.

Bike Theft Suspect

Siri, can you help us catch a bike thief? Detectives are working to find this man in connection with the theft in the 2200 block of Queens Chapel Road. The preliminary investigation reveals the suspect stole the bike from outside a home. If you know the suspect’s name or where we can find him, please call 301-699-2601.

PGPD to Canvass Chillum Neighborhood in Murder Investigation

Prince George’s County Police detectives will canvass a Chillum community this evening to pass out Crime Solvers flyers in connection with a murder that occurred last night. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered in this case.

The victim is identified as 39-year-old Hollis Bradford Johnson of Chillum Road in Chillum.

On October 27, 2014, at about 11:20 pm, patrol officers were called to the 1000 block of Chillum Road for a shooting. When they arrived, they found Johnson just outside his apartment, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital where he died a short time later.

Detectives are working to identify the suspect(s) and motive in this case.

The canvass will begin this evening at 6:30 pm. Detectives will begin in the 1000 block of Chillum Road.

Anyone with information about this incident 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.

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

PGPD Investigates Murder in Brandywine

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a murder in Brandywine. The victim is identified as 31-year-old Devine Lionell Wood of Turtle Dove Place in Waldorf.

On October 26, 2014, a family member reported Wood missing in Charles County. Family members had limited information that suggested Wood was last seen in Prince George’s County. PGPD officers searched for Wood in the Brandywine area on the evening of October 26, 2014, but were unable to locate him. On October 27, 2014, at about 6:00 pm, officers were called to the 17600 block of Bevard Road for a possible body. When they arrived, they found a body in a secluded area of Brandywine. Investigators were able to identify the victim as Wood. He was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead on the scene.

Detectives are working to identify the suspect(s) and motive in this case.

Anyone with information about this incident 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.

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

PGPD Investigates Murder in Chillum

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a murder in Chillum.  The victim is identified as 39-year-old Hollis Bradford Johnson, of the 1000 block of Chillum Road in Chillum.

On October 27, 2014, at about 11:20 pm, patrol officers were called to the 1000 block of Chillum Road for a shooting. When they arrived they found Johnson just outside his apartment, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital where he died a short time later.

Detectives are working to identify the suspect(s) and motive in this case.

Anyone with information about this incident 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.

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

PGPD Remembers Fallen K9 Pilgrim

The Prince George's County Police Department today is honoring our fallen K9 hero "Pilgrim" lost this day in 1988 while tracking theft suspects.

On October 28, 1988, at about 1:30 am, Corporal Charles Smith and his K9 partner responded to Baltimore Avenue near Contee Road to assist patrol officers with a search for three suspects wanted for bailing out of a stolen car.  The suspects were last seen running into a wooded area near the intersection. Corporal Smith and Pilgrim tracked the suspects into the wooded area.  Moments later, one of the suspects jumped out of hiding and began running to a nearby ravine. Pilgrim ran after the suspect at which point he was separated from Corporal Smith.  Corporal Smith immediately began searching for his K9 partner.  When Pilgrim wasn't found, a massive, multi-jurisdictional search was launched. Several hours later when daylight broke, a police helicopter spotted Pilgrim's remains on a nearby railroad track.  He had been struck and killed by a train while pursuing the suspect.

Pilgrim served the department for more than three years.  He was the second K9 member of this agency to give his life in the line of duty.  During his career, Pilgrim and his handler received 18 letters of commendation and were responsible for 87 criminal apprehensions.  At the time of his death, Pilgrim was five years old.

PGPD Investigates Fatal Pedestrian Collision in Accokeek

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal pedestrian collision in Accokeek.  The victim is identified as 61-year-old Lucia Miriam Amaya-Brown of Whitecliff Court in Accokeek.

On October 27, 2014, at about 5:20 am, patrol officers were called to the intersection of Route 210 and Berry Road for the report of a pedestrian collision. When they arrived, they found Amaya-Brown in the roadway with critical injuries.  She was pronounced dead on the scene.

The preliminary investigation reveals a pickup truck was traveling northbound on Route 210 when it struck Amaya-Brown. She was not in a crosswalk at the time. The driver stayed on the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at (301) 731-4422. 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 got to www.pgcrimesolvers.com.

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

PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Lieutenant Roger Fleming

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero Lieutenant Roger P. Fleming, lost this day in 1992 while pursuing a suspect.

Lieutenant Fleming was born on May 15, 1956, in Laurel.  He joined the Prince George's County Police Department in October of 1974.  He was later promoted to rank of sergeant and assigned to the Hyattsville station.

Shortly after midnight on October 27, 1992, Lieutenant Fleming initiated a traffic stop on Kenilworth Avenue near Westchester Park Drive in College Park.  Instead of stopping, the driver sped away and Lieutenant Fleming began a pursuit.  As the pursuit continued to the Baltimore- Washington Parkway, the suspect headed for the exit ramp to New York Avenue.  The suspect then suddenly crossed over the grass median back on the BW Parkway.  When Lieutenant Fleming attempted the same maneuver, he hit a curb and lost control. His cruiser then hit a tree.  Lieutenant Fleming died from his injuries.

Lieutenant Fleming served the Prince George's County Police Department for 18 years and was the 19th member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice.  He was the 30th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George's County.

At the time of his death, Lieutenant Fleming was 36 years old and survived by his wife and two young daughters.

PGPD Remembers Fallen K9 Rebel

The Prince George's County Police Department today is honoring our fallen K9 hero "Rebel" lost this day in 1984 while searching for a suspect.

On October 26, 1984, at about midnight, Corporal Joseph Wing and his K9 partner responded to Mount Rainier Junior High School to assist patrol units with a burglary in progress. A perimeter was established and several announcements were made into the building instructing any suspects to surrender.  When the suspects ignored those orders, Corporal Wing and Rebel deployed into the school, entering through the boiler room.  As the search moved towards the far end of the school, Rebel gave indication to Corporal Wing of possible human presence within a particular classroom.  Rebel entered the room, which was completely dark, and became aware of a suspect.  As Rebel moved towards the suspect to make apprehension, the suspect stabbed Rebel in the chest. The armed suspect then advanced towards Corporal Wing, forcing him to deploy lethal force.  Rebel was rushed to a veterinarian where he died of his injuries.

Rebel served the Prince George’s County Police Department for two years and was the first K9 member of this agency to give his life in the line of duty.  At the time of his death, Rebel was five years old.

PGPD Investigates Deputy-Involved Shooting

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a fatal deputy-involved shooting in Suitland. The deceased suspect is identified as 38-year-old Michael Ricardo Minor of the 2300 block of Houston Street in Suitland.

On October 23, 2014, at about 12:45 am, deputies from the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office were called to the 2300 block of Houston Street for a domestic dispute reportedly involving a gun.

After arriving on the scene and speaking with a woman inside, deputies learned Minor had left the home prior to their arrival. The woman told the deputies she called 911 after Minor assaulted her and she believed he retrieved a handgun before he left.  While they were still on the scene, Minor returned home and confronted the deputies. During the confrontation, one of the deputies discharged his duty weapon, striking Minor. Minor was taken to a hospital where he died several hours later.

The preliminary investigation suggests Minor failed to obey verbal commands and made furtive movements during the encounter. No weapon was recovered on the scene.

The Prince George’s County Sheriff Department is conducting a routine, concurrent administrative investigation into the shooting.  They will provide information about the identity of the involved deputies and their duty status.

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

PGPD Releases Surveillance Video of Sexual Assault Suspect

Please take a moment and watch this surveillance video. It shows the suspect we’re looking for in connection with a sexual assault on Annapolis Road this week. The video was recorded shortly before the assault occurred. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered in this case.

On October 20, 2014, at about 8:45 pm, the suspect assaulted a female victim in the 5800 block of Annapolis Road. The suspect is described as a black male, about 35 – 45 years old and approximately 5'9"- 6' tall. He had a beard and wore a dark jacket. 

Anyone with information on this case or the suspect’s identity is urged to call the CID Sexual Assault Unit at (301) 772-4908. 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 www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online. Crime Solvers is offering a CASH REWARD 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.

WANTED WEDNESDAY

Shooting Investigation

Do you know the woman in these photos? Our detectives are working to identify her. She’s wanted for questioning in connection with a non-fatal shooting on October 17, 2014, in the 5000 block of Sheriff Road in Fairmount Heights. The preliminiary investigation reveals the woman could help identify the shooter in this case. The victim’s injuries were serious, but his condition has improved, thanks in part to the quick work of a responding PGPD patrol officer who was able to seal the victim’s chest wound. Detectives believe the suspect is a man with a medium build. The suspect may have been wearing a blue Helly Hanson jacket, dark pants and black boots at the time of the shooting. The suspect fled in a dark colored four-door car. A cash reward is being offered in this case. If you have information, please call 301-772-4480 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. You will not have to give your name.

Armed Robbery Suspect

Robbery detectives are investigating an armed robbery at a food market in the 7400 block of Marlboro Pike in District Heights. The suspect targeted the store on October 19, 2014, at about 10:00 pm. He walked into the business, pulled out a gun and demanded cash. The frightened employee complied. The suspect then ran from the store toward Maygreen Avenue. The suspect is described as a black male between the ages of 50 and 55. He’s about 5’8” – 5’10” and had no upper teeth. If you have any information on his identity, please call 301-772-4905.

Armed Robbery Caught on Camera

Please take a moment and watch this surveillance video. It shows a recent armed robbery at a convenience store on Kettering Drive in Upper Marlboro.  One of the suspects is seen at the counter when the second suspect walks into the shot behind the counter. He begins snatching money from the register. Both suspects then begin to walk out, but before they get out of the door, they spot someone outside prompting them to drop some of the stolen items. The suspects then ran away. If you recognize either of the suspects, please call 301-772-4905 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Burglary Suspect 

Detectives with our Regional Investigation Division – Southern Region want to identify this man and find this car. He is wanted for a burglary on October 8, 2014, in the 1900 block of Orchard Hill Drive in Fort Washington. At the time, the car had “for sale” information written in the back right window.

The investigation reveals the suspect broke into a home and stole a television. If you have seen this car or know this suspect, please call 301-749-5064.

Armed Robbery Suspect

Detectives are also working to solve a robbery at a sub shop in the 6700 block of Annapolis Road in Landover Hills. The suspects in the surveillance photos robbed the business on October 19, 2014, at about 7:15 pm. If you recognize either suspect or have information on this robbery, please call 301-772-4905 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Armed Robbery Suspect

Detectives are still searching for this suspect, who robbed a gas station on May 2, 2014, in the 4900 block of Annapolis Road in Lanham.  We brought you the first part of this video last week.  Investigators have also obtained a second surveillance video. Both videos show the suspect at nearby businesses, a short time after the robbery.  If you recognize him, please call 301-772-4905 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. You will not have to give your name and could be eligible for a cash reward.

PGPD Honors Patrol Officers of the Month

Right now, PGPD patrol officers are fanned out across the county, serving and protecting the residents of Prince George’s County. Too often, their good work goes unnoticed. Here are the Patrol Officers of the Month for September.

District I Patrol Officers of the Month

Police Officer Ryan Macklin

Police Officer Stewart Winston

On September 24, 2014, Police Officers Ryan Macklin and Stewart Winston were on patrol in the Kenilworth Avenue corridor in Riverdale when they conducted a traffic stop. While talking to the driver, the patrol officers smelled an odor of marijuana coming from the car. A search of the car recovered 30 grams of methamphetamine, thousands of dollars in cash and marijuana. The driver was arrested.

District II Patrol Officer of the Month

Police Officer First Class Ricardo Watson

On September 16, 2014, Police Officer First Class Ricardo Watson spotted two parked and occupied cars on Saint Michaels Drive in Mitchellville. As he approached the cars to talk to the occupants, one of the men tried to run away. He was quickly caught.  During the follow up investigation, POFC Watson spotted a black handgun in plain view by the gear shifter. The driver was arrested.

District III Patrol Officer of the Month

Police Officer Brandon Farley

On September 16, 2014, Police Officer Brandon Farley began monitoring a pursuit initiated by a neighboring jurisdiction heading into Prince George’s County. Communications advised the car was wanted for several armed robberies. Officer Farley recognized the car was likely heading for his patrol sector, so he positioned himself in the Bladensburg area. A short time later, the car entered the Bladensburg Waterfront park, struck several parked cars and the driver jumped out. Officers believed the suspect had also thrown a gun into a river. Officer Farley monitored the foot pursuit and again positioned himself where he believed the suspect would come. He spotted the suspect running on Annapolis Road and was able to catch him. The suspect violently resisted arrest and began repeatedly hitting Officer Farley. Despite this assault, Officer Farley was able to subdue the suspect and take him into custody. Officer Farley then also waded into the river to search for the tossed handgun. The suspect is now charged with robbery.

District IV Patrol Officers of the Month

Police Officer First Class Kevin Stevenson

Police Officer Alexis Eason

Police Officer Jerald Greenwood

On September 30, 2014, Police Officer First Class Kevin Stevenson and Police Officers Alexis Eason and Jerald Greenwood were flagged down by a victim who had just been carjacked by an armed suspect in a parking lot. The patrol officers were able to spot the carjacked car and tried to make a traffic stop. Instead of stopping, the suspect began to flee. The officers began a pursuit while providing constant communication about the suspect and direction of travel. The pursuit ended after the suspect crashed the car. The suspect still tried to run away but was quickly caught. A loaded gun was recovered in the car.

District V Patrol Officer of the Month

Police Officer Ariel Acosta

On September 16, 2014, Police Officer Ariel Acosta was on patrol in the area of Surratts Road and Fox Run Drive when he saw a car behind a convenience store with two men inside. The car’s engine was running but its lights were off. As Officer Acosta approached to investigate, he saw that the driver was wearing a black ski mask. At that point, the driver sped away. Officer Acosta followed the car, suspecting that the occupants might have been involved in a commercial robbery. A short time later, the two men ran from the car into some nearby woods. Officers set up a perimeter, after which the two suspects walked out of the woods and were taken into custody. A K9 team searched the woods and found a loaded gun with an extended magazine and two black ski masks.

District VI Patrol Officers of the Month

Corporal Arvester Horner

Police Officer Taylor Johnson

On September 17, 2014, Corporal Arvester Horner and Police Officer Taylor Johnson responded to Arden Way in Laurel for the report of a suicidal person. The man told a dispatcher he no longer wanted to live.  He also said that he had two knives. As the patrol officers approached, they saw that the man had a large knife. While talking to the man, the man began walking towards the officers while reaching for the knife. One of the officers was able to deploy a Taser, allowing the officers to safely take the man into custody. He was taken to a hospital for a mental evaluation.