PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY POLICE ASKS FOR PUBLIC'S HELP IN LOCATING A CRITICAL MISSING TEENAGER

UPDATE April 4, 2017: Janae White has been safely located in Washington, D.C. She left on her own free will and is now back home. 

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the public’s help in finding a  critical missing teen.  She is identified as 14-year-old Janae White. She was last seen leaving Drew Freeman Middle School at 2600 Brooks Drive in Suitland at approximately 7:30 am on Thursday, March 30th, 2017. The case has been classified as critical due to her age.

White is described as an African-American female, medium complexion, 5'4" tall and weighing 100 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black jacket and white/neon color Nike Jordan tennis shoes. 

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Prince George's County Police Department's Regional Investigation Division - Central Region at (301) 772-4911. 

Wanted Wednesday

Homicide Suspect Sketch

We’re starting Wanted Wednesday this week with the sketch of the suspect we’re actively searching for in the fatal shooting of a young woman. Last October 19th, the suspect shot and killed 18-year-old Allyssa Banks on Prince Place in Upper Marlboro. A second victim was also shot. He survived. The suspect is described as an African American male in his early 20s, with a light complexion, a slim build and brown eyes. Preliminarily, our detectives believe the suspect attempted to rob the victims prior to the shootings. Detectives are asking our community to call us with any info, no detail is too small, so we can provide answers to Allyssa’s loved ones. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment. Detectives can be reached at 301-772-4925 or 1-866-411-TIPS.

Breaking & Entering Suspect

The suspect in these photos is wanted for breaking into a home in Upper Marlboro recently. The burglary happened on February 5^th at a home on Wyman Way. Once inside, the suspect stole an electronic item. If you recognize him, please call 301-868-8773 or 1-866-411-TIPS.

Robbery at Bakery

Detectives want to identify and arrest these two suspects who committed an armed robbery at a bakery in Temple Hills. This happened on March 21^st at about 2:00 pm. No one inside of the bakery was hurt. If you have any information on this case, you’re asked to please call 301-772-4905 or 1-866-411-TIPS. A cash reward is available.

Convenience Store Robbery

These two masked up suspects robbed a convenience store early Sunday morning. The store is in the 8900 block of Rhode Island Avenue. We are offering a cash reward for info that helps us arrest and prosecute the suspects. Robbery Unit detectives can be reached at 301-772-4905 or 1-866-411-TIPS.

  

Detectives Investigate Homicide in College Park

The victim in Sunday’s fatal shooting in College Park is identified as 36-year-old Rawle Farley. He was shot and killed in his apartment building on Milestone Way. Preliminarily, detectives do not believe this was a random crime.

Prince George’s County Police patrol officers were called to the apartment building in the 9600 block of Milestone Way shortly after 4:00 pm. The victim was found suffering from a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead on the scene.

Detectives are working to establish a motive and to identify the suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to call the our Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers who want 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.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online. 

Detectives Search for Suspect Who Shot & Killed Teenager

The Homicide Unit is actively investigating the fatal shooting of a teenager Saturday night in Landover. The victim is 15-year-old Dennis Taylor of Columbia Place in Landover. 

Officers were called to the 2200 block of Columbia Place at 9:40 pm on March 25th for a shooting. Taylor was found outside suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Preliminarily, detectives do not believe this was a random crime. A gun was recovered at the scene. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

Anyone with information is asked to call the our Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers who want 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.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online. 

Detectives Investigate Fatal Shooting in Laurel

Homicide Unit detectives are working to arrest the suspect who shot and killed a man Saturday morning in Laurel. The victim is 33-year-old Marvin Bryan of Garson Terrace in Lanham.  A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

Patrol officers were called to the 13000 block of Edinburgh Lane around 5:20 am for the report of a shooting. The victim was found inside of a car suffering from a gunshot wound.

Detectives are working to establish a motive and identify the suspect(s).

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the our Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers who want 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.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online.

Detectives Searching for Armed Robbery Suspect Wearing Mickey Mouse T-Shirt

Updated April 6th: Thanks to a tip from a citizen, the robbery suspect who wore a Mickey Mouse T-Shirt is now in custody. He’s 29-year-old Stephan Cope of Harvard Street in Northwest Washington. Cope has been charged with two commercial robberies. Those robberies include the March 9^th robbery of a convenience store on Chillum Road and the March 24th robbery of another convenience store on Ritchie Road. He has confessed to his involvement in those crimes. Additional charges are likely. He is in custody in the District and is being held on an unrelated matter. 

Updated March 27th: Robbery Unit detectives today released new surveillance video of the suspect in this case. The video is from March 21^st at a convenience store in the 4800 block of Marlboro Pike. Additionally, the suspect is now linked to a 5^th case in Prince George’s County. He’s wanted in connection with the armed robbery of a convenience store in the 1400 block of Ritchie Road in Capitol Heights on March 24^th shortly before 11:00 am. 

(March 8th)                                   ( March 9th)                    

Robbery Unit detectives are working to identify and arrest the man who has robbed several businesses and citizens in our county and region in recent weeks. One distinguishing characteristic – the Mickey Mouse t-shirt he’s wearing in two of the robberies.


So far, detectives have linked him to five robberies and one attempted robbery – four in Prince George’s County and two in the District. In five of these cases, he has used a gun to commit the crime.

March 21st

A cash reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and indictment. If you have information on his identify, please call the Robbery Unit at 301-772-4905. 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.

Suspended Officer Indicted by Grand Jury

A suspended Prince George’s County Police Officer was indicted by a grand jury today.

Corporal Levi Vaughn faces charges of second degree assault and misconduct in office. The allegation involves conduct which occurred while the officer was on duty on July 15, 2016. His police powers were suspended in November.

The Internal Affairs Division launched an investigation after learning of the incident which involved striking a suspect who was in custody. The Prince George’s County Police Department brought this case to the State’s Attorney’s Office for consideration of criminal charges following the internal investigation.

Vaughn joined the department in 2007. He was assigned to the Bureau of Patrol.  

PGPD Arrests & Suspends Officer for Driving Under the Influence

The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested and suspended an officer earlier today after the officer was involved in a crash in his cruiser. It was suspected the off-duty officer was driving under the influence of alcohol prior to the crash. Police Officer First Class Christopher Brown is charged with multiple counts of driving under the influence and speeding.

The crash took place around 2:30 am near Pennsylvania Avenue and I-495. It was determined Brown clipped the back of a tractor trailer, lost control of his cruiser and hit a guardrail. The tractor trailer driver was not hurt. The preliminary investigation reveals, Brown left the scene following the crash but returned a short time later. Responding officers suspected PFC Brown was under the influence of alcohol and he was arrested. He was not hurt in the crash. He was driving a marked cruiser.

In 2012, the same officer was involved in another crash in his cruiser while under the influence in Oxon Hill. Prince George’s County Police arrested the officer following that crash. He pleaded guilty to those charges. He was also disciplined administratively.  

“I find the circumstances surrounding this incident gravely troubling and I apologize to the community for the appearance of impropriety.  Know that, as always, when I have the facts I will take appropriate action to remedy this and I will make the facts known to the public,” said Chief Hank Stawinski.

Brown joined the department in 2009 and is assigned to the Bureau of Patrol.

Detectives Release Composite Sketch of Suspect in the Fatal Shooting of Allyssa Banks

Homicide Unit detectives today released a composite sketch of the suspect wanted in connection with the October homicide of 18-year-old Allyssa Banks. Detectives are asking for the community’s help in identifying this suspect so we can provide answers to her loved ones. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. Tipsters will never have to give their names.

On October 19^th, 2016, at about 1:45 am, officers were called to the 10200 block of Prince Place in Upper Marlboro for a shooting. When they arrived, they found Banks suffering from gunshot wounds. She died at the hospital. A second victim was also shot. He survived his injuries.

The suspect is described as an African American male in his early 20s, with a light complexion, a slim build, brown eyes and was wearing a black-hooded jacket the night of the murder.

Preliminarily, our detectives believe the suspect attempted to rob the victims prior to the shootings.

Anyone with information about this case 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.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online. 

Wanted Wednesday

Suspect Linked to Multiple Robberies 

Detectives are actively working to find this suspect who is now linked to multiple investigations. On Tuesday morning, around 1:00 am, this suspect walked into a convenience store in the 4800 block of Marlboro Pike. Once inside, he implied he had a weapon and demanded money.  

This same suspect is also wanted for robbing another convenience store on March 9^th. In this case, the suspect pulled out a handgun when making his demands. This store is in the 900 block Chillum Road in Chillum. If you have information on either of these robberies, please call 301-772-4905. 

This is another photo of the suspect. He’s also linked to the robbery of a citizen outside of a convenience store in the 7400 block of Annapolis Road on March 19^th. The investigation reveals he also tried to rob another victim a short time later in the 7500 block of Annapolis Road.

If you know anything about this suspect, you can also call 1-866-411-TIPS. A cash reward is available.

Suspect in Non-Contact Shooting 

This suspect is wanted for a non-contact shooting in Landover. The preliminary investigation reveals the suspect got into an unprovoked verbal dispute with the two victims prior to firing a weapon at the victims who were walking in the 300 block of Garrett A Morgan Boulevard on March 8^th at about 11:45 pm. The victims were not hurt. The suspect’s blue book bag has the word “TRUE” on it.  If you have any information, please call detectives at 301-772-4911.

Two Lifelong Friends and a Story of Heroism and Gratitude

Today the Prince George’s County Police Department extended its most sincere thanks to Seat Pleasant Volunteer EMT Phil Martin for his quick and heroic action in helping to get emergency help to one of our officers.

Deputy Chief Murtha (left) thanks Volunteer EMT Martin (right) for saving POFC. Biddy (center)

In the early morning hours of March 3^rd, Police Officer First Class Ricardo Biddy who is also a Seat Pleasant Volunteer EMT was leaving his firehouse after his shift in his Prince George’s County police cruiser.  As PFC Biddy pulled up in front of his home which was 15 minutes away, he was on the phone with his friend, Seat Pleasant volunteer EMT Phil Martin.  While idling inside his cruiser which was parked in front of his home, Officer Biddy’s speech suddenly became slurred and incoherent and then the call disconnected.      

EMT Martin, knowing something could be horribly wrong, immediately called public safety communications who dispatched Police and Fire/EMS.  Martin then jumped in his personal vehicle and traced Officer Biddy’s route home.   Once Martin located the cruiser, he found Biddy unresponsive inside.  Other emergency units soon arrived and rushed Biddy to the hospital where he got the help he needed.  

It was determined that Biddy’s cruiser was leaking carbon monoxide into the car, poisoning the officer.

The Prince George’s County Police Department believes that the carbon monoxide leak in Officer Biddy’s car was isolated to his cruiser alone.  There was repair work performed on the cruiser in January at the dealership which included the replacing the engine’s manifold.  As part of an internal investigation, the department learned Biddy took cruiser to county fleet maintenance after that repair in January and February upon smelling what he thought were exhaust fumes inside his vehicle.  Testing on the vehicle by the county, dealership, and hazmat officials found nothing wrong during those visits. After the medical incident, fleet maintenance workers recreated what Biddy had done on March 3rd and discovered carbon monoxide was leaking into the cabin.  The cruiser was sent back to the dealership which discovered there was a crack in the engine’s manifold.  

 Officer Biddy and Volunteer EMT Martin are lifelong friends having met when they were just 7 years old.     At an interagency press conference today, EMT Martin was given the Prince George’s County Fire Department’s Emergency Service Award for his “quick thinking and immediate action to help save the life of a fellow member and friend.”

Suspect Arrested in Fatal Shooting in Springdale

Darell Alfred

The Homicide Unit arrested the suspect wanted for the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Shamica Briggs in Springdale last month. The suspect is 33-year-old Darell Alfred of the 700 block of Quarry Avenue in Capitol Heights.

On February 25th, at about 2:35 am, officers were called to the 10000 block of Yellowwood Lane. Officers found the victim in the roadway suffering from several gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

Preliminarily, detectives believe the fatal shooting stemmed from an argument between the suspect and victim. Alfred is charged with first and second degree murder and related charges. He is in the custody of the Department of Corrections and is being held on a no-bond status.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the 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.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online.

PGPD Investigates Fatal Collision in Fort Washington

The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal collision in Fort Washington on Saturday. The victim is 58-year-old Glenn Taylor of Caskadilla Lane in Accokeek.

On March 18^th, around 4:20 pm, patrol officers were called to the intersection of Indian Head Highway and Old Fort Road for a crash involving a motorcycle. Responding officers discovered the victim suffering from critical injuries. He was taken to a hospital where he died several hours later.

The preliminary investigation reveals Taylor was traveling northbound on Indian Head Highway approaching Old Fort Road. It appears he may have tried to avoid a trashcan in the roadway, which caused him to lose control of his motorcycle. No other vehicles were involved in the collision.

Anyone with information on this collision is asked to call the 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 to www.pgcrimesolvers.com.

PGPD to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint

The Special Operations Division will conduct a sobriety checkpoint this Thursday, March 23rd from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Officers will focus on the northern portion of the county. This is one of the many checkpoints that will be conducted throughout the year. 

Never drink and drive. The consequences are not worth the risk.

Detectives to Canvass Largo Neighborhood in Homicide Investigation

This evening, detectives will canvass for information in a fatal shooting last night in Largo. The victim is 25-year-old Gregory Anthony Taylor of Prince Place. Preliminarily, detectives do not believe this was a random crime. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

On March 15^th, at about 7:15 pm, patrol officers responded to the 10100 block of Campus Way South for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, the officers discovered the victim outside suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Detectives are working to identify a suspect(s) and motive in this case. The canvass will begin at 5:30 pm in the 10100 block of Campus Way South.

Anyone with information on this fatal shooting is asked to call the 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.

Suspect Arrested in Capitol Heights Homicide

Kevin Kavon Fleming Jr.

The Homicide Unit arrested the suspect wanted for a fatal shooting in Capitol Heights last week. The suspect is 27-year-old Kevin Kavon Fleming Jr., of the 5200 block of Marlboro Pike in Capitol Heights.

On March 8^th, at about 11:25 pm, a citizen flagged down an officer on patrol in the 5200 block of Marlboro Pike. The officer found 31-year-old Timothy Wimbush in a parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Preliminarily, detectives believe the fatal shooting stemmed from a dispute between the suspect and victim. Fleming is charged with first and second degree murder and related charges. He is in the custody of the Department of Corrections on a no-bond status. 

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the 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.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online.

Detectives Investigate Homicide in Largo

Detectives are investigating a fatal shooting in Largo. The victim is 25-year-old Gregory Anthony Taylor of Prince Place. Preliminarily, detectives do not believe this was a random crime. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

On March 15^th, at about 7:15 pm, patrol officers responded to the 10100 block of Campus Way South for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, the officers discovered the victim outside suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

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

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the 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.

Suspect Who Stole Items From Military Career Center in Custody

Kyle Pedigo

Prince George’s County Police patrol officers today arrested the man wanted for breaking into the United States Army Career Center in Oxon Hill earlier this month. The suspect is 30-year-old Kyle Pedigo from Norwich, Connecticut. Officers arrested him this morning when he tried to break into a pool and spa company in Upper Marlboro.

On March 2^nd, shortly before 4:00 am, our investigation reveals Pedigo broke into the military career center in the 5400 block of St. Barnabas Road. The investigation reveals he stole a government-owned car and a U.S. Army dress uniform as well as additional uniform items. The following day, Pedigo was sighted in Groton, Connecticut. The stolen car and uniforms have been recovered.

This morning, Prince George’s County Police officers arrested him as he tried to break into the business in the 4800 block of Crain Highway. He’s charged in our county with multiple charges, including burglary and felony theft. He is also facing changes in Connecticut. Additional charges outside of our jurisdiction are likely. 

Wanted Wednesday

Convenience Store Robbery

We're starting Wanted Wednesday this week with clear photos of the suspect who robbed a convenience store. He targeted the business on March 9th at about 3:00 am. The store is in the 900 block of Chillum Road. The suspect displayed a gun during the robbery. If you know his name, please call us at 301-772-4905 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. A cash reward is available.

Cell Phone Store Robbery

This armed suspect chose a cellphone store to rob. He robbed the business in the 6300 block of Livingston Road on March 11th at about 6:30 pm. The suspect ordered the employee to hand over cash. Once he had the money, he ran from the store. Please help us arrest him. Call our detectives at 301-772-4905 or 1-866-411-TIPS.

Theft at Liquor Store

Detectives would like to talk to the man in this photo in connection with a theft at a liquor store in Beltsville. The preliminary investigation reveals a customer mistakenly left his wallet at the store the morning of March 2^nd. When that customer returned to the store that afternoon and found his wallet, several hundred dollars had been taken from the wallet. If you know this suspect, please call our detectives at 301-937-0910 or 1-866-411-TIPS.

Gas Station Robbery

This suspect was also armed with a gun when he robbed a gas station in Capitol Heights on March 11th. The robbery took place at about 8:45 pm at the business in the 6200 block of Walker Mill Road. He ran from the store once he stole cash from the register. Robbery Unit detectives can be reached at 301-772-4905 or 1-866-411-TIPS. A cash reward is available. 

Robbery at Drugstore

This bundled up suspect robbed a drug store in Clinton early this morning. The armed suspect walked into the store in the 8800 block of Branch Avenue around 2:40 am and demanded cash. If you recognize his winter wear, please call detectives at 301-772-4905 or 1-866-411-TIPS. A cash reward is available.

PGPD Investigates Fatal Collision in Capitol Heights

The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal collision in Capitol Heights. The victim is 31-year-old Alexandra Allen of Sunfield Terrace in Fort Washington.

On March 11^th, around 11:20 pm, patrol officers were called to the 1200 block of Addison Road South for a single vehicle collision. Officers found Allen, the front seat passenger, in the roadway suffering from critical injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the car sustained what preliminarily appear to be non-life threatening injuries.

The preliminary investigation reveals the car was traveling northbound on Addison Road South. For reasons which are under investigation, the driver lost control, struck a curb and a utility pole. Preliminarily, it appears this vehicle had fled a traffic stop initiated by the Capitol Heights Police Department. 

All inquiries as to the traffic stop are being handled by the Capitol Heights Police Department.    

Anyone with information on this crash is asked to call the 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 to www.pgcrimesolvers.com.

PGPD Holding St. Patrick's Day Sobriety Checkpoint

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Operations Division will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Friday, March 17, 2017, from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am. There will be multiple checkpoints throughout the year.

Inclement Weather Reminders

As we are in the midst of inclement weather, the Prince George’s County Police Department would like to remind you remind of the following:

•    When driving, give yourself extra time, slow down and keep a safe travel distance. 
•  If power is out at traffic signals, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.
•     If your wipers are on – please turn on your lights too!
•    Unless you’re reporting an emergency, DO NOT call 911 during a power outage, call 301-352-1200.

In the event of a weather emergency, please check our Twitter page @pgpdnews for alerts, updates, and important information regarding the event.