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Thursday, April 30, 2015

PGPD Arrests Suspect in Chillum Sexual Assault

Juan Alex Randolph


The Prince George’s County Police Department today arrested a suspect for a sexual assault in Chillum yesterday evening. The suspect is 27-year-old Juan Alex Randolph of the 800 block of 51st Street in Southeast Washington. 

On April 29, 2015, at about 10:00 pm, patrol officers were called to the 5000 block of 16thAvenue for the report of a sexual assault. They spoke with the victim who had been sexually assaulted in her home earlier in the evening. The preliminary investigation reveals Randolph broke into the home, attacked the victim and then fled.

The investigation led detectives to Randolph’s home in the District where he was arrested. He’s been charged with first and second degree rape, first and second degree assault, theft, home invasion and related charges. He has admitted his involvement in the sexual assault.  Randolph is currently in the District awaiting extradition to Prince George’s County.

Anyone with information on this case or suspect is asked to please 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 to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online. 

PGPD Honors Patrol Officers of the Month

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

District I Patrol Officer of the Month
Police Officer Jose’ Ayala-Feliz





On March 29, Police Officer Jose’ Ayala-Feliz responded to Kanawha Street for a welfare check. A 911 caller had reported an injured man in an apartment stairwell. When Officer Ayala-Feliz arrived, he found the victim, who had been fatally stabbed. Squad members were called to secure the crime scene and canvass for possible witnesses. During that neighborhood canvass, Officer Ayala-Feliz spoke with several community members who were able to provide information in the case that helped homicide detectives make two arrests.




District II Patrol Officers of the Month
Corporal Scott Wilson

Police Officer First Class David Freshley




On March 16, Corporal Scott Wilson and Police Officer First Class David Freshley responded to Greenbelt Road for a domestic dispute. Once on the scene, the patrol officers met with a woman who advised she was having an argument with her husband. She feared for her safety and had left the apartment to call the police. While officers were on their way, the victim’s husband sent her text messages indicating he was leaving the home. Corporal Wilson and POFC Freshley escorted the woman back to her apartment. When they got inside, the officers heard the distinct sound a weapon being loaded. They then saw the suspect begin to raise a handgun in the direction of the officers and the wife. The officers moved the victim out of the line of fire and confronted the husband. The officers gave verbal commands for the husband to drop the weapon. After a short standoff, the husband complied and was taken into custody without further incident. 

                               
District III Patrol Officer of the Month
Police Officer Michael Byers


On March 5, Police Officer Michael Byers stopped to assist another officer on a traffic stop. During the stop, the driver got out of his car and began walking toward Officer Byers but then began to run away. Officer Byers ran after him. That’s when the suspect tried to pull out a handgun from his waistband. Officer Byers was able to catch the suspect, causing the suspect to drop the gun. The suspect was able to get back to his feet and begin running again. Officer Byers quickly caught him and took him into custody. It was later learned the suspect was a convicted felon.



District IV Patrol Officer of the Month
Corporal David Hansen

On March 31, Corporal David Hansen was called to Cloverdale Drive for the report of an armed robbery. He spoke with the victim who had been delivering food when he was approached and robbed by a man with a gun. A lookout for the suspect was broadcast. Corporal Hansen spotted a man matching the suspect’s description not far away. That man was positively linked to the robbery. The victim’s property and a BB gun were recovered.


District VI Patrol Officer of the Month 
                                   Police Officer Lyndon Thomas


On March 9, Police Officer Lyndon Thomas was sent to the area of Chadds Ford Drive and General Lafayette Boulevard for the report of a drowning. As the first officer on the scene, Officer Thomas immediately began speaking to the 911 callers who advised they had seen a man walking on a path, stumble backwards down a hill and into a nearby pond. They hadn’t seen him come out of the water. Officer Thomas immediately jumped into the water which was 35 degrees in a desperate attempt to find the man. He spent several minutes searching for the victim in the frigid and muddy water. Prince George's County Fire Department units arrived with a dive team. The team was able to find the victim. Despite the extensive efforts to save the man, he died at a hospital. 



District VI Patrol Officer of the Month
Police Officer First Class Tahicia McCaskill

    
On March 24, Police Officer First Class Tahicia McCaskill was on patrol in the area of Laurel Bowie Road and Contee Road when she conducted a traffic stop on a car with three occupants. A registration check revealed the registration was suspended. As POFC McCaskill spoke with the occupants, she detected a nervous and evasive demeanor from one of them. During the stop, the patrol officer discovered one of the occupants had an open warrant. He was taken into custody. 
   


Wednesday, April 29, 2015

WANTED WEDNESDAY



 
Drugstore Theft Suspects 

 
Detectives are working to identify these four suspects wanted for a theft at a drugstore in the 5600 block of Sargent Road. The suspects walked into the store on April 20 at about 5:25 pm and walked back out with large quantities of toothpaste, detergent and soap. If you have information on this theft or any of these suspects, please call us at 301-699-2601. Tipsters won’t have to give their name by calling Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. A cash reward is being offered.
 

 
Robbery Suspect



 
Our Regional Investigation Division – Central Region is working to identify this suspect. He and an accomplice committed an armed robbery in the 1900 block of County Road in District Heights on April 24 around 10:15 am. They approached the victim and robbed him. The victim suffered minor injuries. If you recognize this suspect, please call our detectives at 301-772-4425. A cash reward is being offered.


ATM Vandalism
 
 
 
Here are two new photos of the suspect wanted for vandalizing an ATM. We first highlighted this case in a Wanted Wednesday blog earlier this month. The suspect targeted an ATM at a bank in the 5800 block of Martin Luther King Junior Highway in Seat Pleasant in late March. He damaged the machine but didn’t get any cash. If you know who he is and call us with information that leads to his arrest, you’ll be eligible for a cash reward. Please call 301-390-2180 with any information.
 
 
Convenience Store Robbery
 
 

These two suspects are wanted for the armed robbery of a convenience store in the 4900 block of Silver Hill Road on April 27 around 12:30 am. They forced employees to hand over cash. Once they ran out, they got into a car and sped toward Porter Avenue. If you have information on this robbery, please call 301-772-4905.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, April 27, 2015

PGPD Investigates Employee’s Death at Recycle Plant in Clinton

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a death at an asphalt recycling plant in Clinton. The decedent is an employee at Aggregate Industries.

On April 27, 2015, shortly before 10:00 am, patrol officers responded to the 5400 block of Kirby Road for the report of an injured person. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from trauma to the body. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

The preliminary investigation reveals the employee was working on or near a rock crusher when his harness became tangled in a conveyor belt and he was pulled into the machine. This appears to be an accident.

Anyone with information on 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 http://www.pgpolice.org/.

PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer John J. Novabilski

Let us pause to remember our Fallen Hero from the Prince George’s County Police Department, Sergeant John J. Novabilski, lost April 26th, 1995 in an unprovoked ambush in George Sector.

Sgt. Novabilski was born on April 25, 1964, in Old Forge, Pennsylvania. He joined the Prince George's County Police Department on August 1, 1988, after serving three years with the Baltimore City Police De...partment. Upon completion of his Academy training, Sgt. Novabilski was assigned to the District III Station. He subsequently served at the District II Station before being transferred to District VI.

On the evening of April 26, 1995, Sgt. Novabilski was working a secondary employment assignment at Palmer's Restaurant at 7222 Martin Luther King, Jr. Hwy. in Kentland, Maryland. He was sitting in his marked police vehicle when the suspect approached him from behind and, without warning, opened fire with a MAC-11 assault weapon. Sgt. Novabilski was struck eleven times in the head and upper body. He was rushed to Prince George's Hospital Center where he was pronounced deceased.

Sgt. Novabilski served the Prince George's County Police Department for seven years and was the 21st member of this Agency to make the Ultimate Sacrifice. He was the 33rd law enforcement officer to give his life while serving this Profession within Prince George's County, Maryland.

At the time of his death, Sergeant John J. Novabilski was 31 years old and survived by his wife.

        

PGPD Conducting Death Investigation at Mitchellville Golf Course

The Prince George’s County Police Department is conducting a death investigation at a Mitchellville golf course. The decedent is 70-year-old Frank Andrew Bartee of Just Street in Northeast Washington. He had been reported missing in the District on April 25, 2015. Preliminarily, no foul play is suspected in connection with his death.

On April 26, 2015, shortly after 5:00 am, members of the Prince George’s County Fire Department responded to the Enterprise Golf Course on Enterprise Road for the report of a car fire. A golf course employee had spotted the fire when he arrived at work.

When members of the fire department extinguished the flames, they discovered Bartee outside of his car. He had suffered severe burns and was pronounced dead on the scene. Members of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police responded to the scene to assume the investigation along with Prince George’s County Police Department homicide detectives.

The preliminary investigation reveals Bartee drove his car onto the golf course and it became stuck in a muddy area. It appears the engine caught fire as Bartee’s attempted to free his car. Detectives are investigating why he initially drove onto the course.

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. 

PGPD Sponsors Homes for "Christmas in April"










Chief Mark Magaw, command staff and members of the Prince George's County Police Department proudly participated in the annual "Christmas in April" event this weekend. "Christmas in April" is a non-profit organization that repairs homes for low-income and disabled homeowners. PGPD members first began volunteering with this great organization back in 1989.

Police officers who are skilled in home repair served as house captains. House captains were tasked with organizing volunteers and acting as the on-site managers. The PGPD worked on six homes. One home in each district station.

The homes were in Hyattsville, Forestville, Temple Hills, Beltsville and two were in Upper Marlboro. 

Friday, April 24, 2015

Suspect Found Guilty After PGPD Breaks Up Real Estate Scam

After the Prince George's County Police Department investigated a wide spread real estate scam and charged a suspect in the case, Quiana Johnson was found guilty.
 
On April 23, 2015, the Prince George’s County States Attorney’s Office announced 34-year-old Johnson, of Upper Marlboro, was found guilty of theft over $100,000 and conspiracy to commit theft over $100,000 for her involvement in the sale and acquisition of stolen homes in Prince George's County.
 
Our RID Commander Lt. Bud Duelley, who worked this case for a year and half, was featured on ABC's 20/20 in October of 2014.
 
ABC’s 20/20 Link: http://goo.gl/6CuaoL
 
 
 
 
 

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Chief Magaw Responds to Officer's Entering of Alford Plea

Police Officer First Class Jerry Thomas entered an Alford Plea today to one count of misconduct in office. The incident involves conduct which occurred while Officer Thomas was on duty in late 2012. The officer struck a handcuffed juvenile suspect.

The Internal Affairs Division launched an investigation in early 2013, following a routine, internal use of force review. When the 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.

The Chief today is holding a news conference about the trial's outcome with Prince George's County State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks.

“The trust our community has placed in us is sacred to me. I can assure the community any officer who violates that trust will be held accountable," said Chief Mark Magaw.

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

PGPD Arrests Man for Homicide of Toddler

Joshua Riley

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit arrested a suspect in connection with the homicide of a toddler. The suspect is 29-year-old Joshua Riley of the 9900 block of Good Luck Road in Lanham. The victim is 23-month-old Anthony Winfrey of Lanham.

On April 9, 2015, patrol officers were called to a hospital to investigate a report of child abuse. The preliminary investigation reveals the victim’s mother had come home from work earlier that day and found her son unresponsive. Riley had been watching the child. Riley lives at the home and is in a romantic relationship with the mother. The toddler died on April 15, 2015.

A medical examiner ruled the toddler died from blunt force injuries and the manner of death is a homicide. A warrant for Riley was obtained charging him with first degree murder, second degree murder, child abuse and other related charges. Officers arrested Riley Wednesday in Silver Spring. He is now in custody of the Department of Corrections on a no bond status. 

Anyone with information about this homicide 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. 

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

WANTED WEDNESDAY

Wheelchair Theft

We’re using this week’s Wanted Wednesday to keep the focus on the suspect whose crime can only be described as heartless. He’s the man who stole a four-year-old boy’s wheelchair from an apartment building in Langley Park the night of April 12th. The theft prompted a massive outpouring of support for the victim, Joshua, and his family. A generous Upper Marlboro mother and son donated a replacement wheelchair. Now, we want to find the thief. Please look at this surveillance video and call our detectives with any information at 301-699-2601 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. A cash reward is available.



Convenience Store Robbery

These three suspects committed an armed robbery at a convenience store in Capitol Heights early Tuesday morning. They walked into the store in the 7400 block of Central Avenue around 12:30 am. One of the suspects pulled out a gun and demanded cash. Once they got money and merchandise, they ran out of the business. No one was hurt. Please call 301-772-4905 with any information. A cash reward is available. 


Convenience Store Robbery

Our Robbery Unit is also investigating an armed robbery at another convenience store in Marlow Heights on April 17th around 6:00 am. In this case, two suspects, one who had a gun, forced employees to hand over cash. No one was hurt. One of the suspects had on a red jacket with a white stripe. If you recognize either suspect or have information on this crime, please call 301-772-4905. You can also always call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS if you’d like to stay anonymous. A cash reward is available.

PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Ryan C. Johnson


 Let us pause to remember our fallen hero Officer Ryan C. Johnson, Sr., lost this day in 1992.

Officer Johnson was born on December 2, 1966.  He was raised in Prince George’s County and attended Bladensburg High School.  Upon graduating from high school, he served with honor and distinction in the United States Army.  Officer Johnson joined the Prince George’s County Police Department in 1990 and was assigned to the Oxon Hill station.

On the evening of April 16, 1992, Officer Johnson was approached by three suspects as he was exiting his personal car in Capitol Heights.  One of the armed suspects announced a robbery.  Officer Johnson drew his service weapon and exchanged gunfire with the suspects.  During the exchange, Officer Johnson suffered multiple gunshot wounds.  Officer Johnson was rushed to a hospital where he sadly succumbed to his injuries on April 22, 1992.

Officer Johnson served the Prince George’s County Police Department for two years and was the 18th member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice.  He was the 29th law enforcement officer to give his life while serving this Profession within Prince George’s County.

At the time of his death, Officer Ryan C. Johnson, Sr. was 25 years old and survived by his wife and two sons.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

PGPD Officers to Receive Valor Awards

They are credited with courageously engaging a gunman who had just killed his child, stopping a knife-wielding suspect and bravely entering a home with a gunman inside. These Prince George’s County police officers are among a distinguished group of public safety employees who will be honored at the 38thAnnual Public Safety Valor Awards ceremony tomorrow.

Who:   The Honorable Rushern Baker, Prince George’s County Executive
            Barry Stanton, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Public Safety
            Chief Mark Magaw, Prince George’s County Police Department
            Chief Marc Bashoor, Prince George’s County Fire Department
            Sheriff Melvin High, Prince George’s County Sheriff's Office
            Mary Lou McDonough, Director, Department of Corrections
            Brian Moe, Director, Office of Homeland Security
             Shawn Yancy, FOX 5 News, Master of Ceremony
            Will Thomas, FOX 5 News, Master of Ceremony

When:  Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Time:  11:30 am

Where:  Martin’s Crosswinds
              7400 Greenway Center Drive
              Greenbelt, MD

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

Monday, April 20, 2015

PGPD Investigates Fatal Pedestrian Collision in Temple Hills

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a fatal pedestrian collision in Temple Hills. The victim is 51-year-old Jesse Shelton of Varney Street in Southeast Washington.

On April 17, 2015, at about 8:15 pm, patrol officers responded to the 3200 block of Brinkley Road for a crash involving a pedestrian. When they arrived, the officers found Shelton in the roadway. He was taken to a hospital where he died of his injuries. 

The preliminary investigation reveals an SUV heading westbound on Brinkley Road struck the victim. Preliminarily, it appears the victim was trying to cross Brinkley Road at the time. He was not in a crosswalk. The driver remained on the scene.

Anyone with information about this collision 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) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police and submit a tip online.

Friday, April 17, 2015

Overwhelming Community Support to #HelpJoshua


This afternoon, we updated the community on our effort to find the man who stole a child’s wheelchair earlier this week from a Langley Park apartment building.  Since we first shared the surveillance video of our suspect http://goo.gl/XIQITF, we’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the victim, Joshua, and his family.


Thousands of people have spoken out on our social media sites and contacted us to try to #HelpJoshua.


One of those community members is Nikisha Marshall of Upper Marlboro. She and her 11-year-old son Emmanuel graciously donated a wheelchair that Emmanuel has grown out of. They both joined us here at PGPD headquarters Friday for a news conference on the investigation.

Our detectives are working to find this suspect, but we need our community’s help. If anyone has information on this theft, please call us at 301-699-2601. You can always call our Crime Solvers line as well at 1-866-411-TIPS. Tipsters will not have to give their name.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

PGPD Searching for Thief Who Stole Four-Year-Old Boy’s Wheelchair



Please take a moment to watch this surveillance video. It shows the suspect we’re looking for who stole a four year old's wheelchair from an apartment building in Langley Park this week. He's seen pushing the empty chair in a parking lot. 

On Sunday night, as she typically does, Joshua’s mother left the wheelchair in her apartment building’s lobby on Merrimac Drive. It’s easier for her to carry up her son to their second floor apartment. When the mother went to get the wheelchair Monday morning, it was gone.



Joshua’s mother wanted us to share this video of her son with the community but has asked for privacy for her family. We are respecting her wishes. “This family already faces challenges and shouldn’t be burdened with the emotional and financial stress of the theft of this wheelchair. The suspect we’re looking for has no heart,” says Captain Ken Humbel, Commander of the Regional Investigation Division – Northern Region. While our officers are working to arrest this thief, we’re also focused on helping Joshua. One of our commanders is in touch with a foundation which may be able to help with a replacement wheelchair. 

Captain Humbel will be available to discuss this investigation at police headquarters Friday, April 17, at 1:00 pm. We will also have a Spanish-speaking officer available.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to please contact investigators at 301-699-2601 or call Crimes Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. A cash reward is being offered.

PGPD Investigates Homicide in Capitol Heights

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a homicide in Capitol Heights. The victim is 26-year-old Alonzo Matthew Stinnie of Greenwood Avenue in Takoma Park. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and indictment in this case.

On April 15, 2015, at about 8:00 pm, patrol officers were called to the 6700 block of Calmos Street for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, they found Stinnie inside a car suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives do not believe this was a random act. Investigators are working to identify the suspect(s) in this case.

Anyone with information about this homicide 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 towww.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.


Wednesday, April 15, 2015

@PGPDNews Boarding Air1 for First Aviation Tweet-Along


This Thursday, April 16, @PGPDNews will take a ride onboard Air1 for our department’s first Aviation Unit Tweet-Along. PGPD’s Air1 routinely patrols the air space over Prince George’s County working in tandem with our patrol officers on the ground doing everything from getting criminals off the streets to finding vulnerable missing persons, all thanks to the aerial view and technology. Starting at 5:00 pm, follow @PGPDNews and use the hashtag #PGPDAir1 to join the conversation.

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

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

WANTED WEDNESDAY

Game Store Robbery


The crime he committed isn’t a game. Detectives want to find this armed robbery suspect who helped himself to several video game systems from a store in Laurel. He walked into the business on Baltimore Avenue shortly before 9:00 pm on April 8, pulled out a gun and demanded property and cash. After running from the store, he jumped into a getaway car, possibly a green four-door Honda Accord. Call 301-772-4905 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS with any information on this case. Tipsters could be eligible for a cash reward.

Pharmacy Robbery


   (actual car)

Detectives are also working to arrest the three suspects who robbed a Landover Hills pharmacy at gunpoint. This happened on April 11, around 12:15 pm at the business in the 6700 block of Annapolis Road. The investigation revealed the three suspects ran into the store and went behind the counter. They forced employees to hand over prescription medications. The suspects also stole cash. No one was hurt. The suspects sped away in the car pictured above—a new model, white Ford Taurus with temporary tags. Anyone with information on this armed robbery is asked to call 301-772-4905 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Assault Suspect


Investigators are working to identify this suspect wanted in connection with an assault on April 10, 2015. The investigation revealed he pointed a gun at a victim during an argument. The victim was not hurt. This happened in the 4800 block of Lawrence Street near Bladensburg. Detectives believe the suspect goes by the name “Louis.” He is approximately 6’5” – 6’-7” tall. If you recognize him, please call our investigators at 301-699-2601. If you want to stay anonymous, call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Convenience Store Robbery


This is the suspect who robbed a convenience store in the 7400 block of Central Avenue early Monday morning. He forced employees to hand over cash and then ran out of the store. He wore a black jacket with white camouflage sleeves during the robbery. Please call our detectives at 301-772-4905 or 1-866-411-TIPS with any information. A cash reward is available.