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Sunday, November 30, 2014

PGPD Officer Charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident

The Metropolitan Police Department charged a Prince George’s County Police officer with leaving the scene of an accident on Sunday, November 30, 2014.  Police Officer First Class Mark Samuels-Thompson was off duty at the time of his arrest.  There were no reported injuries.
 

Our Special Investigation Response Team (SIRT) launched an administrative investigation immediately after learning of the arrest.  Officer Samuels-Thompson's police powers had already been suspended at the time of his arrest for internal, unrelated charges.  After today's matter is adjudicated, the officer faces an administrative hearing and the possibility of termination.

The officer was not driving a departmental vehicle.

Officer Samuels-Thompson has been employed by the PGPD for seven years and is currently assigned to the Bureau of Patrol in an administrative role.

For more information, please contact the Metropolitan Police Department Public Information Office at 202-727-4383.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Major Richard Beavers


Major Beavers was born on May 2,1946. He was raised in Hyattsville and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1966. Major Beavers then joined the United States Air Force where he served with honor and distinction until his discharge in 1967.  He joined the Prince George's County Police Department in November of 1967, as a member of Session 3-67, a class that would ultimately lose three of its members in the line of duty. When he graduated from the training academy he was assigned to the Hyattsville district station. Major Beavers rose through the ranks of the department, ultimately becoming the commander of the Oxon Hill district station.

On the evening of November 28, 1983, two suspects armed with handguns approached Major Beavers in his unmarked police cruiser as he conducted a premises check on St. Barnabas Road in Temple Hills. As the Major drew his service weapon and began to challenge the suspects, they opened fire. Major Beavers returned fire but was critically wounded in the exchange. He was rushed to the hospital where he sadly died of his injuries the next morning.

Major Beavers served the Prince George's County Police Department for 16 years and was the 15th member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice. He was the 24th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George's County.

At the time of his death, Major Beavers was 37 years old and survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Friday, November 28, 2014

PGPD Investigates Fatal Pedestrian Collision in Hyattsville

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal pedestrian collision. The victim is 40-year-old Oscar Amaya of Columbia Road in Northwest Washington.

On November 14, 2014, at about 8:45 pm, patrol officers were called to the intersection of Ager Road and East West Highway for a collision involving a pedestrian. When they arrived, they found Amaya suffering from critical injuries. He was taken to a hospital where he died on November 27, 2014. The driver was not hurt. 

The preliminary investigation reveals Amaya was trying to cross Ager Road when he was hit by a van. Amaya was not in a crosswalk at the time. The driver stayed on the scene.

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 Relations Division at 301-772-4710.

PGPD Suspends Probationary Officer After Assault Charge

A probationary Prince George's County Police Officer has had his police powers suspended after the Atlantic City (NJ) Police Department charged him with simple assault and disorderly conduct on November 26, 2014. Police Officer Steven Varga was off duty at the time of his arrest.

Our Special Investigation Response Team (SIRT) immediately launched an administrative investigation after learning of the arrest. 

Varga has been employed by the PGPD for one year and is assigned to the Bureau of Patrol.

For more information, please contact the Atlantic City Police Department.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

PGPD Command Staff to Help Distribute Holiday Meals to Community

On Thanksgiving Day, members of the PGPD Command Staff and officers will help distribute holiday meals to members of our community. The event is taking place at our Community Oriented Policing building in Langley Park. The event is sponsored by Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church and El Zol Radio, 107.9 FM.

When:  Thursday, November 27, 2014

Time:  10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Where:   Langley Park COPS Building
               8100 New Hampshire Avenue
               Langley Park, MD


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

Wanted Wednesday

Package Theft



We’re looking for this thief who casually walked up to a home and stole a package right off the front porch. The theft was caught on the victim’s home surveillance system. This happened on Crathie Lane in Upper Marlboro last week. After snatching the package, the suspect got into a gray four-door car. If you recognize this suspect, please call (301) 772- 4911 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.


Robbery Caught on Camera





Surveillance video also captured an armed robbery in Seat Pleasant. The suspect walked into a grocery store on Martin Luther King Jr. Highway at about 6:40 am on November 22, 2014. Once inside, he forced an employee into a back room where the suspect stole cash from a safe. Anyone with information on this robbery is encouraged to call 301-772-4905.

Thefts from Cars at Cemetery



 The suspects were driving the car in this photo.

If you’ve seen this car or know either of these suspects, please call our detectives at 301-699-2601 or call 1-866-411-TIPS. You will not have to give your name and could be eligible for reward money.


Breaking & Entering Suspects


Our detectives also want to identify the suspects in this photo. They’re wanted in connection with a breaking and entering in Riverdale on November 15, 2014. The investigation reveals the suspects broke into a home on Beacon Light Drive and snatched jewelry. If you know these suspects, please call us at 301-699-2601.


Convenience Store Robbery



The suspect in these photos robbed a convenience store on Branch Avenue in Temple Hills on Tuesday at about 2:50 am. He pulled out a gun and  demanded cash from the register. Once he got the money, he ran from the store. Have info on this robbery? Please call 301-772-4905.






Tuesday, November 25, 2014

PGPD Thankful For Crime-Fighting Firefighters

It’s Thanksgiving week; the perfect time to say thank you to a group of Montgomery County firefighters who played a pivotal role in our arrest of a robbery suspect. The suspect is 34-year-old Hassan Jihad Marshall of the 15000 block of Beacon Ridge Drive in Landover.


On November 24, 2014, at about 5:00 pm, patrol officers were called to a grocery store parking lot in the 6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue in Chillum. When they arrived, they saw the group of firefighters detaining Marshall. The preliminary investigation reveals the firefighters from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, Engine Company 2 - Takoma Park, were picking up food for their Thanksgiving day shift when they heard screaming. They looked over and saw the suspect hit the victim, grab her purse and begin to run away. The firefighters ran after him and were able to hold him until our patrol officers arrived.

We thank them for their service to the citizens of both Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.

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

PGPD Searches for Driver Who Killed Bicyclist in Lanham



not actual vehicle


Updated November 25, 2014: The victim is identified as 34-year-old Dwight Calvin Johnson of Seltzer Road in Lanham. Investigators have determined the car that hit Johnson was a 2010-2012 black Nissan Altima. It will have front end damage on its right side, a broken headlamp and a piece of its bumper missing. If you have information on the driver or the car, please call (301) 731-4422. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

The Prince George's County Police Department's Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal hit-and-run collision involving a bicyclist early this morning in Lanham.

On November 23, 2014, at about 1:55 am, patrol officers were called to Martin Luther King Jr. Highway near Forbes Boulevard. When they arrived, they found the victim in the roadway suffering from critical injuries. He died a short time later at a hospital.

The preliminary investigation reveals the involved car and the bicyclist were both heading westbound on Martin Luther King Jr. Highway. The bicyclist was traveling along the curb when he was hit by the car. The driver did not stay on the scene. The car is described as a black sedan which will now have front end damage, a broken headlamp and a piece of its bumper missing.

Anyone with information about this hit-and-run is urged 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 go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com.

Friday, November 21, 2014

PGPD & USPS to Canvass Landover Community in Homicide of Postal Worker



Prince George’s County Police detectives and United States Postal Service inspectors will return to a Landover community Saturday morning to pass out Crime Solvers flyers in the investigation into the murder of Tyson Jerome Barnette. The 26-year-old postal carrier was shot and killed one year ago while on duty. There is a combined reward of up to $125,000 available for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. 

On November 23, 2013, at about 7:20 pm, patrol officers were called to the 1600 block of Reed Street for a shooting. When they arrived, they found Barnette suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

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

The canvass will begin at 9:00 am in the area of Reed Street. Members of the media should be advised this will be an opportunity for video only. No one from the PGPD will be available for sound at the canvass.

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) or text "PGPD plus your message" to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgpolice.organd 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 Fatal Crash in Clinton

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash in Clinton. The victim is 84-year-old Frank Joseph Vaughn of Arbutus Lane in Clinton.

On November 4, 2014, at about 1:40 pm, patrol officers were called to the intersection of Piscataway Road and Pine View Lane for a crash involving two vehicles. When they arrived, they found Vaughn suffering critical injuries. He was taken to a hospital where he died on November 19, 2014. A passenger in Vaughn’s car and the second driver were not seriously hurt.

The preliminary investigation reveals Vaughn was heading southbound on Piscataway Road when he tried to make a left turn onto Pine View Lane. While making that turn, his car was struck by an SUV heading northbound on Piscataway Road.

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.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

PGPD Releases Video of Armed Robbery Suspects



The Prince George’s County Police Department is asking for our community’s help in identifying the suspects seen in the above video. They are wanted for robbing a man in New Carrollton.

On November 19, 2014, at about 6:30 am, patrol officers were called to the 8400 block of Annapolis Road for an armed robbery.  The preliminary investigation reveals the two armed men approached the victim and demanded money.

Anyone with information on the identity of these suspects is asked to call the Regional Investigation Division-Northern Region at (301) 699-2601. 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 to $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.

PGPD to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint


The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Operations Division will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Friday, November 21, 2014, from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am. Officers will be focusing on the central portion of the county.

PGPD Releases Video of Suspect at Chillum Homicide Scene

Detectives Believe Citizens Have Critical Information in Case



Homicide Unit detectives today released surveillance video of the suspect who shot and killed 36-year-old Hollis Bradford Johnson in Chillum last month. Detectives strongly believe there are citizens who have critical information in this case. Anyone with information is encouraged to call our Crime Solvers line. Tipsters never have to give their name and could be eligible for an up to $25,000 reward.

Johnson was killed in an entryway of his apartment building on Chillum Road on October 27, 2014. The surveillance video shows the suspect approaching the building while the victim unknowingly holds open the door. Seconds later, the suspect shot Johnson and then ran from the building. He sped away in a light-colored, four-door sedan. The car’s windows are tinted and it has halogen headlights.

Detectives do not believe the victim and suspect knew each other.

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 Arrests Suspect in Domestic-Related Shooting

Omari Brown

The Prince George's County Police Department arrested a son for shooting his mother at their home in Largo. The suspect is 41-year-old Omari Brown of the 10200 block of Prince Place.

On November 19, 2014, at about 12:35 pm, patrol officers were called the 10200 block of Prince Place for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, they found the victim inside of her home suffering from a gunshot wound. She was rushed to the hospital where she is in critical condition.


The preliminary investigation reveals Brown shot his mother following an argument over money. He then ran from the home. Officers arrested him nearby a short time later.


Brown is charged with first and second degree attempted murder, first degree assault and other charges.


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

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

WANTED WEDNESDAY

Copper Caper

Our detectives are looking for this determined and rather acrobatic copper thief. He broke into a recycling facility on Old Baltimore Pike in Beltsville twice in the early morning hours of November 13, 2014. Surveillance video caught him in the act as he climbed massive piles of recycled materials. He spent about 15 minutes total in the business, helping himself to about 1,000 pounds of copper which is worth about $3,000 dollars. At one point, he pulled a car into a bay door to load the stolen goods. That car is described as a white or cream Chevy sedan. If you know the identity of the suspect or have info about a copper theft, please call our detectives at 301-937-0910. Tipsters can also stay anonymous by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. We are offering a cash reward in the case.



Drive-Thru Robbery

He went to a drive-thru, but not for food. On Monday morning at 10:00 am, this suspect crawled into the drive-thru window of a fast food restaurant on Martin Luther King Junior Drive in Landover. Once inside, he pulled out a gun and confronted employees. Once he got money, he left through a back door. If you have info on who he is, please call 301-772-4905.



Burglary Suspects



Do you recognize any of these men? They are suspects in a burglary at a home on Goddard Court in Lanham on October 27, 2014. They took electronics and jewelry from the victims. If you have any information on this case, please call 301-390-2160 or Crimes Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.



Pizza Restaurant Breaking and Entering


The next suspect we’re looking for targeted a pizza restaurant in Laurel. He broke into the business on Baltimore Avenue at about 5:00 am on October 24, 2014. Once inside, he busted into a cash register and took money. If you have information that could help detectives, please call 301-937-0910.



Convenience Store Robbery


This suspect bundled up before committing an armed robbery. He targeted a convenience store in the 5000 block of Garrett Avenue in Beltsville on November 14, 2014 at around 1:15 am. The suspect pulled out a gun, demanded cash and then ran from the store in the direction of Queen Anne Avenue. Have information? Please call 301-772-4905.



Drugstore Robbery


Robbery unit detectives are also investigating an armed robbery at a drugstore in the 7400 block of Annapolis Road in Landover Hills. This happened at about 3:00 am on November 16, 2014. The masked suspect demanded cash from the employees before running out of the store. He headed in the direction of Ardwick Ardmore Road. Anyone with information is urged to call 301-772-4905. You can always call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. Tipsters do not have to give their name.



Food Mart Robbery

A suspect also robbed a food mart in the 4200 block of Bladensburg Road in Colmar Manor this week. He targeted the store on November 15, 2014, at about 6:30 pm. The suspect pulled out a gun and ordered the employees to hand over cash. He then ran away. If you recognize this suspect, please call our detectives at 301-772-4905.

Monday, November 17, 2014

PGPD Investigates Homicide in Landover




Updated November 17, 2014:  Homicide detectives released this Crime Solvers flyer seeking information in this case. An award of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and indictment. If you have any information, please call 1-866-411-TIPS. You will not have to give your name.

Updated November 16, 2014: The victim is identified as 32-year-old Emory Hursey, of Langston Place in Southeast Washington.  Detectives are continuing to work to identify the suspect(s) in this case.  A cash reward of up to $25,000 is available for information which leads to an arrest.  Please call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a homicide in Landover.

On November 16, 2014, at about 12:30 am, patrol officers were called to the 8500 block of Landover Road for a stabbing. When they arrived, they found a man inside a banquette hall suffering from apparent stab wounds. He was taken to a hospital where he died a short time later.

The preliminary investigation reveals a party was being held at the banquette hall.  Detectives believe the victim became involved in a fight.  During the fight, the victim was stabbed.  Detectives are working to identify the suspect(s) 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 Attempted Kidnapping in College Park

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating an attempted kidnapping in College Park.

The preliminary investigation reveals on November 16, 2014, at about 6:00 am, a man grabbed a University of Maryland student in the 4400 block of Hartwick Road. The woman was getting out of her car when the man approached her from behind. He was armed with a knife. The suspect stumbled as he dragged her backwards, giving the victim an opportunity to escape. The victim was not hurt.

The suspect is described as a white man, approximately 6’0” tall and wearing a red flannel shirt or coat. The victim said the man had dirty fingernails and a foul body odor.

Anyone with information on the suspect’s identity is asked to call 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.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.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

PGPD Searches for Missing Woman

Updated November 16, 2014: The missing has returned home in good health.


(We are working to obtain a better picture and will post here when available)

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in searching for a missing person. She is identified as 25-year-old Robin Mae Allen. 

Allen was last seen in the 6200 block of Woodland Lane in Clinton on November 14, 2014, at about 8:00 pm. Allen suffers from mental illness and may be in need of medication.

Allen is described as an African-American female, 5’2” and 312 pounds. She was last seen wearing a blue and white sweat suit with black and lime green tennis shoes.

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.