Detectives Obtain Warrant for Suspect in Capitol Heights Homicide

Updated December 11, 2015: Officers arrested 24-year-old John Alfred Scriver on December 10, 2015, in Glenarden. He’s being held on a no bond status at the Department of Corrections.

(John Scriver)

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect wanted in connection with a homicide in Capitol Heights in early October. He’s 24-year-old John Alfred Scriver of the 1800 block of Belle Haven Drive in Landover. He’s charged with first and second degree murder in the fatal shooting of 48-year-old Cofield Richardson Jr., of Elkwood Lane in Capitol Heights.

On October 7, 2015, at about 8:00 pm, patrol officers responded to the 1400 block of Elkwood Lane for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, they found Richardson outside suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on scene.

Preliminarily, detectives believe the homicide stemmed from an ongoing dispute between the suspect and victim.

Anyone with information on where we can find Scriver 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 Crimes 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 Remembers Fallen Officer Robert Yeszerski

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero, Officer Robert E. Yeszerski, lost this day in 1968.

On the morning of November 30, 1968, members of the Seat Pleasant Police Department contacted a resident about his inoperable car that was illegally parked in front of his home. The officers ordered the man to remove the car. Instead of complying, the man made death threats against the officers. Later that day, Officer William Clements of the Seat Pleasant Police Department, returned to that home to impound the car. Officer Yeszerski responded as well to assist based on the earlier threats. When the officers arrived, the man suddenly came out of his home, approached the officers from behind and fatally shot both officers.

Officer Yeszerski joined the Prince George’s County Police Department on November 6, 1967, as a member of Session 3-67, a class that would ultimately lose three of its members in the line of duty. He served this agency for one year and was the sixth member to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Officer Clements served the Seat Pleasant Police Department for four years and was the first member of that agency to make the ultimate sacrifice. He was 24 years old and survived by his wife and young daughter.

At the time of his death, Officer Robert E. Yeszerski was 23 years old and survived by his expectant wife and two young children.

PGPD, Redskins & Partners to Prep for Toys for Tots

This coming Monday, officers with our Community Services Division will be prepping for our annual Toys for Tots program – including assembling bikes and toys. Two Washington Redskins players will be helping with the effort on Monday.

Each Christmas season, the program collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them to families in need.

Donations are now being accepted for this year’s toy drive. Please visit www.toysfortots.org to find toy drop-off locations or to register to receive toys. Toys will be distributed in December to those who have pre-registered.

  

When:  Monday, November 30, 2015

Time:   11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Where:  Police Services Complex Gymnasium  

              7600 Barlowe Rd

              Palmer Park, MD

PGPD Investigates Fatal Crash in Capitol Heights

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a fatal crash in Capitol Heights. The victim is 56-year-old Robert Williams Jr. of Brand Court in Clinton.

On November 26, 2015, at about 4:45 am, patrol officers responded to the intersection of Walker Mill Road and Silver Hill Road for a single-vehicle crash involving an SUV. Officers found Williams in the roadway suffering from critical injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The preliminary investigation reveals Williams was heading northbound on Walker Mill Road. For reasons which are under investigation, he lost control on a right curve, struck a curb and rolled over.  

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 go to http://www.pgcrimesolvers.com.

PGPD Honors Patrol Officers of the Month

All across the country, families and friends are together celebrating Thanksgiving today. Hopefully you won’t, but we’ll be here if you need us. Each and every day, our patrol officers are answering calls across our county. Too often their good work goes unnoticed. We’d like to introduce you to the Patrol Officers of the Month for October.

District I Patrol Officers of the Month

Police Officer First Class Raymond Musse

Police Officer Robert Heaney

POFC Raymond Musse

Police Officer Robert Heaney

On October 15^th, Police Officer First Class Raymond Musse and Police Officer Robert Heaney took the initiative to canvass areas of Langley Park and Lewisdale in an attempt to find a suspect wanted for two commercial robberies. One of the robberies took place on October 13^th, the second on the 14^th. The patrol officers recognized the suspect on the wanted posters based on previous interactions with him. POFC Musse and Police Officer Heaney found the suspect during their canvass and took him into custody. He was charged with the two robberies.

District II Patrol Officer of the Month

Police Officer First Class David Freshley

Police Officer Alexander DeBarros 

POFC David Freshley

Police Officer Alexander DeBarros

On October 29^th, Police Officer First Class David Freshley and Police Officer Alexander DeBarros were dispatched to a home on Highbridge Road in Bowie for the report of a fight involving knives. The dispatcher told the officers that one of those involved had two large knives. As the officers approached the door, they heard the suspect threaten the victim. In order to protect the victim from harm, the officers entered the home. The suspect holding the knives was moving toward the victim. POFC Freshely and Officer DeBarros were able to defuse the situation by talking to the suspect and take him into custody without incident.

District III Patrol Officer of the Month

Police Officer First Class Haseeb Munawar 

POFC Haseeb Muawar

On October 24^th, Police Officer First Class Haseeb Munawar was flagged down by a man who said he was just robbed by two armed suspects. This robbery took place in the area of Fire House Road and Kent Town Drive. The victim told the officer the armed men ran toward a nearby park. A lookout for the suspects was broadcast. POFC Munawar headed toward the area of the park. When he tactically approached the open park area, he spotted two men matching the description of the suspects. He was able to approach the suspects without detection and keep them on the scene until back up officers arrived. Both suspects were arrested.

District IV Patrol Officer of the Month

Police Officer Jeremy Ingraham

Police Officer Jeremy Ingraham

In mid-October, Police Officer Jeremy Ingraham was dispatched to Audrey Lane after an open line call to 911. As the first officer to arrive on the scene, Officer Ingraham saw a man fleeing an apartment building. The patrol officer stopped the man. That man was later linked to two stabbings in the building. One of the victim died of his injuries.

District V Patrol Officer of the Month

Corporal Christopher Nalesnik 

Cpl. Christopher Nalesnik

On October 5^th, while on patrol in the area of Mike Shapiro Drive and Woodyard Road in Clinton, Police Officer Christopher Nalesnik saw an Oldsmobile with three occupants parked on a dead end road. A check revealed the tags on the car came back to a Honda. As the driver tried to leave, the patrol officer conducted a traffic stop. The officer’s interview with the driver and passengers, as well as the strong odor of marijuana coming from the car, led the officer to search the car. A book bag inside the car contained a loaded gun and marijuana.

District VI Patrol Officers of the Month

Police Officer First Class Stanley Williams

Police Officer Nicholas Quilban 

POFC Stanley Williams

Police Officer Nicholas Quilban

On October 23^rd, Police Officer First Class Stanley Williams and Police Officer Nicholas Quilban responded to Van Dusen Road in Laurel for the report of a person in the roadway acting erratically and taking off his clothes. The patrol officers immediately recognized the man may be high on PCP. The officers used exceptional verbal skills to communicate with the disoriented man and keep him calm. When the officers checked for weapons, a loaded gun was found. The man was arrested without incident.

PGPD Investigates Homicide in Landover

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating a homicide in Landover. The victim is 23-year-old Kwacellus Davis of Hil Mar Drive in Forestville. Preliminarily, detectives do not believe this is a random act. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

On November 25, 2015, at about 4:50 pm, patrol officers were called to the 1800 block of Belle Haven Drive for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, they found Davis suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

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

Anyone with information is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimes Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

PGPD's Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend Security Message

The Prince George’s County Police Department constantly monitors the security landscape locally, nationally and internationally. As we do every day, the PGPD strategically allocates our extensive resources to where they’ll be most effective. On Thanksgiving leading into Black Friday, we will have assets countywide, including at our shopping centers and popular tourist attractions. Those resources will be both covert and overt. It’s our goal for citizens and visitors to safely enjoy their holiday weekend in our county. However, don't hesitate to flag down one of our officers or call 911 if something seems out of the ordinary or noteworthy. As always, we will remain vigilant and ask the community to do the same.

Wanted Wednesday

Man Targets Banks Twice in Two Weeks

(Nov. 24, 2015 Attempted Robbery)

 

The robbery suspect who wears white sunglasses when committing crimes has struck again. We first showed you his picture last Wanted Wednesday after the man robbed a bank in Oxon Hill. On Tuesday, he tried again, this time at another Oxon Hill bank in the 6200 block of Oxon Hill Road. In this case, he left without any cash.

 

(Nov. 13, 2015 Robbery)

 

On November 13^th, the suspect robbed a bank on Audrey Lane in Oxon Hill. He grabbed cash from a teller and walked out toward the 5200 block of Indian Head Highway. If you recognize him, please call 301-772-4905 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. A cash reward is being offered.

 

Fast Food Restaurant Robbery

This suspect is wanted for the armed robbery of a fast food restaurant on Greenbelt Road in Greenbelt. He robbed the business on November 19^th at about 8:00 pm. Please call our detectives at 301-772-4905 with any information on this suspect’s identity. Tipsters can also call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. A cash reward is being offered.

 

Breaking & Entering Suspect

 

 

The suspect in these photos is wanted for breaking into a home in Capitol Heights. The home is on Highview Drive. Our investigation reveals the suspect broke in at about 12:00 pm back on November 9^th.  Please call 301-390-2160 with info on his name or where we could find him. You can also always call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Food Mart Burglary

 

Our detectives are working to find and arrest the two suspects who broke into a food mart the morning of November 10^th. This store is in the 6300 block of Addison Road in Seat Pleasant. The suspects stole thousands of dollars in cash and cigarettes.

  

(actual vehicles)

The pickup truck and car in the above pictures are linked to the suspects. The pickup is described as possibly a 2008 Lincoln. The car is possibly a newer model Toyota Camry. Please call 301-390-2160 or 1-866-411-TIPS with any information on this case.

 

Game Store Robbery

 

These two suspects are wanted for robbing a game store in the 6200 block of Livingston Road in Oxon Hill. The armed robbery happened on November 21^st at about 5:00 pm. After grabbing cash, the suspects fled in a silver van waiting outside. Detectives can be reached at 301-772-4905. A cash reward is being offered.

Robbery Investigation

 

Our Robbery Unit is also investigating the armed robbery of a business in the 4600 block of Suitland Road. This robbery occurred on November 21^st at about 7:20 am. The suspect was wearing a white hoodie and white pants. Once he grabbed cash, he ran from the store in the direction of Huron Avenue.

 

 

PGPD Investigates Fatal Pedestrian Collision in Beltsville

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal pedestrian collision in Beltsville. The victim is 64-year-old Huan Wang of Bornedale Drive in Adelphi.

 

On November 24, 2015, at about 6:30 am, patrol officers were called to the intersection of Powder Mill Road at Boxer Road for a collision involving a pedestrian. When they arrived, the officers found Wang in the roadway suffering from critical injuries. He was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital.

 

The preliminary investigation reveals Wang was trying to cross Powder Mill Road when a car struck him. The driver remained on scene. The victim was not in a crosswalk. No one inside the car was hurt.

 

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, text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go towww.pgcrimesolvers.com.

PGPD Searches for Missing Elderly Siblings

Updated November 26, 2015: Ms. Thomas and Mr. Ward have been found and are in good health. 

The Prince George’s County Police Department is asking for the public’s help in searching for a missing sister and brother. They are 71-year-old Rosa Lee Thomas and 76-year-old James Everrette Ward.

Thomas and Ward were last seen in the 7200 block of Sheriff Road in Landover on November 23, 2015, at about 2:00 pm.

Thomas is described as an African American woman, 5’8” and 185 pounds. She was last seen wearing a gray jacket, blue sweat pants, and a gray and black fleece hat. Thomas may be in need of medication. It is unclear what Ward was wearing. 

They were last seen riding in a burgundy 2005 Jeep Liberty with Maryland registration 638M085.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to please call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Regional Investigation Division – Central Region at 301-772-4911.

Toys for Tots Toy Drive Underway at PGPD

 

The gym at Prince George’s County Police headquarters is filling up fast with toys – including 100s of new bikes. The PGPD is once again proudly partnering with the United States Marine Corps Reserves to host the Toys for Tots program in Prince George’s County. Each Christmas season, the program collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them to families in need.  
 

Donations are now being accepted for this year’s toy drive. Please visit www.toysfortots.org to find drop-off locations and to register to receive toys. The toys collected by the PGPD and our partners will be distributed in December to those who have pre-registered.
 

In 2014, our generous community and sponsors donated more than 50,000 toys which were distributed to approximately 10,000 families. We hope to surpass that number this year!

Man Dies While Being Transported for Emergency Evaluation

Family to 911 Call Taker:  Obese Man Likely on PCP



At 10:25 pm on November 18, 2015, Prince George's County Police officers were called to a home in the 10000 block of Westwood Drive in Cheltenham for the report of a person possibly suffering from a PCP overdose.  The man's mother and uncle separately called 911 asking for help. The man could be heard on the mother's 911 call screaming and pounding on walls in another room.  As officers headed to the home, the 911 call taker advised the mother to stay away from her son for her own safety. The man's uncle called 911 from outside the home.

When officers arrived, they found the man upstairs, naked and incoherent. Officers needed two sets of handcuffs for the nearly 500-pound man.  Six patrol officers then placed the man on a comforter and carried him downstairs. He was then placed on a stretcher waiting outside of the home. At the request of emergency medical personnel on scene, the handcuffs were removed in order for the paramedics to attend to the man. Several minutes after getting into the ambulance, paramedics could not find a pulse and efforts were made to revive the man. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

An autopsy revealed no signs of any injuries to the man's body and the family told investigators they saw no use of force by the officers. The toxicology test results could take several weeks.  

PGPD Investigates Homicide in Langley Park

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating a homicide in Langley Park from this past weekend. He is identified as 37-year-old Jose Victor Lazaro of Tahona Drive in Langley Park. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

On November 15, 2015, at about 6:15 am, patrol officers were called to the 7900 block of 14^th Avenue for a welfare check. When they arrived, they found a man outside suffering from trauma to the upper body. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

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

 
Anyone with information is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimes Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

PGPD Investigates Fatal Crash in Laurel

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a fatal crash in Laurel. The victim is 66-year-old Charles Fletcher of Annapolis Road in Lanham.

On November 19, 2015, at about 12:50 pm, patrol officers responded to the intersection of Laurel Bowie Road and Loblolly Pine Drive for the report of a crash involving two cars. Fletcher was driving one of the cars. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

The preliminary investigation reveals Fletcher was heading northbound on Laurel Bowie Road and the second car was heading southbound. For reasons which are under investigation, the second car crossed the center lines and struck Fletcher’s car head on. The second driver and her passenger appear to have suffered non-life threatening injuries.

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 go to http://www.pgcrimesolvers.com.

Update in Investigation in Springdale Homicide

The Prince George’s County Police Department Homicide Unit released surveillance video and new details in its investigation in to the fatal shooting of a Springdale man last week. The victim, 59-year-old Bernard Parker of Utica Place, was shot in his car not far from his home on November 10th.

Detectives today released surveillance video of the victim driving in his neighborhood moments before the shooting. The preliminary investigation reveals the victim was not travelling with the shooter. Detectives believe the suspect was outside of the car.

Benard Parker

Investigators are working to identify the motive and suspect in this fatal shooting. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and indictment in this case.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimes Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

PGPD to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint

 

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Operations Division and the Town of Edmonston Police will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Friday, November 20, 2015, from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am. Officers will be focusing on the northern portion of the county.

Wanted Wednesday

Homicide Investigation

Our detectives are releasing a new detail in the fatal shooting of a Springdale man last week. The victim, 59-year-old Bernard Parker of Utica Place, was shot in his car not far from his home. The preliminary investigation reveals the victim was not driving with the shooter. Detectives believe the shooter was outside of the car. Investigators are working to identify the motive and suspect(s) in this fatal shooting. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered to the tipster who calls with information that leads to an arrest and indictment in this case. Tipsters never have to give their name when calling 1-866-411-TIPS.

Bank Robbery Suspect

This suspect wore white sunglasses the day he robbed a bank in Oxon Hill on November 13th. The man targeted a bank on Audrey Lane around 11:20 am. He grabbed cash from a teller and walked out toward the 5200 block of Indian Head Highway. If you recognize him, please call 301-772-4905 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Suspects Target Cell Phone Store

We have a good look at the two suspects who tried to rob a cell phone store in the 7200 block of Baltimore Avenue. One of the suspects pulled out a gun and demanded cash. The two suspects ran out of the store empty-handed. Anyone with information on these two suspects is asked to call 301-772-4905.

Grocery Store Theft Investigation

Detectives are working to find and arrest this suspect who is wanted in connection with a theft at a Fort Washington grocery store parking lot.  The preliminary investigation reveals the suspect grabbed a victim’s purse and ran away. This happened on October 28^th at a store in the 900 block of Swan Creek Road. If you know this man, please call 301-749-5064.

Credit Card Fraud Investigation

Our investigation reveals this suspect tried to make a big purchase at a grocery store with stolen credit cards. The suspect tried to make the transaction the morning of November 17^th at a store in the 4100 block of North View Drive in Bowie. Please call 301-390-2160 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS with any info on this case.

PGPD Investigates Fatal Crash in Brandywine

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a fatal crash in Brandywine. The victim is 72-year-old Jasper Mullins Jr. of Dunkard Church Road in Rixeyville, VA. 

On November 17, 2015, at about 9:30 am, patrol officers responded to the intersection of Aquasco Road and Horsehead Road for the report of a crash involving a pickup truck and a dump truck. The driver of the pickup truck, Mullins, suffered critical injuries. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

The preliminary investigation reveals the pickup truck attempted to make a left turn onto Aquasco Road in front of the dump truck which was heading northbound on Aquasco Road. 

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 go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com. 

PGPD Investigates Fatal Crash in Chillum

A young victim of a collision earlier this month in Chillum has died of his injuries. The victim is eight-year-old Chionesu Amona-ra of New Hampshire Avenue in Chillum.

On November 5th at about 3:50 pm, patrol officers were called to the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Prince George’s Avenue for a report of a crash involving two cars. Two passengers in one of the cars suffered critical injuries, including Amona-ra. He died of his injuries on November 16^th. The two drivers and other occupants appear to have suffered non-life threatening injuries.

The preliminary investigation reveals the car the victim was riding in was heading eastbound on Prince George’s Avenue when it attempted to turn right onto New Hampshire Avenue and collided with another car.

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 go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com.

 

 

Chief Magaw to Honor Officers for Service & Dedication to Duty

On Tuesday, Chief Magaw will honor several Prince George’s County Police Officers for their dedication to duty and service to the community. Among the honorees, officers who interrupted a robbery attempt at a bank. The Chief will also recognize squad members who worked to try to save a young boy who had fallen into an icy pond.

Two of our officers will also be honored for running into a dark, heavily wooded ravine to find a suicidal woman.

Corporal Jeffrey Erler

Police Officer Christopher Holland

 

And our Aviation Unit will be recognized for racing to the scene of a plane crash and providing first aid to the victims

The ceremony honoring these officers and many more is set for Tuesday at police headquarters.

When: Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Time:   1:00 pm

Where: Police Services Complex

            7600 Barlowe Road

            Palmer Park, MD