PGPD to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Operations Division will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint this  Friday, June 29, 2018, from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am. Officers will be focusing on the southern portion of the county. This is one of many checkpoints that will be conducted throughout the year.

Please never drive under the influence. The consequences are not worth the risk.

PGPD Searches For Missing Man

Oliver Gbetholancy

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in searching for a missing person. He is identified as 48-year-old Oliver Gbetholancy.

Gbetholancy was last seen at the Embassy of Niger in Washington, D.C located in the 2200 block of R Street NW. Gbetholancy is described as a black male, 5’10”, and 250 pounds. His last known address is in Capitol Heights.

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

Detectives Arrest Two Teens in Silver Spring Homicide; Arrest Warrant Issued For Third Teenage Suspect

Updated January 15, 2019: The third suspect wanted in connection with this 2018 homicide is now in custody in Georgia. Eighteen-year-old Francisco Sosa, of no fixed address, was arrested in Gwinnett County and is awaiting extradition to Prince George’s County.

 Bryan Mancias-Callejas

Lenin Mancias-Callejas

Francisco Sosa

  

Homicide Unit detectives arrested two teens in connection with a fatal stabbing in Silver Spring in May. The suspects are 16-year-old Lenin Mancias-Callejas and 16-year-old Bryan Mancias-Callejas, both of the 8400 block of Hill Road in Hyattsville. Detectives also obtained an arrest warrant for a third suspect. He’s identified as 18-year-old Francisco Sosa of no fixed address. They are all charged with the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Herson Mejia-Alvarez of 67^th Avenue in Riverdale.

On May 23rd, at approximately 12:50 pm, officers were in the area of the 8900 block of New Hampshire Avenue when they discovered Mejia-Alvarez in a wooded area. Detectives began a death investigation. The following day, the medical examiner ruled the cause of death blunt force trauma and the manner was homicide.

The preliminary investigation reveals this was a gang-motivated murder. The three suspects are members of a gang.

All three suspects are charged with first and second-degree murder and other related charges. The Mancias-Callejas brothers are in the custody of the Department of Corrections on a no-bond status.  We are actively searching for Sosa.

Anyone with information 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), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)

Detectives Investigate Homicide in Upper Marlboro

Detectives with our Homicide Unit are conducting an investigation into the fatal shooting of a man Tuesday night in Upper Marlboro. The victim is 22-year-old James Puryear Jr. of Nicol Circle in Mitchellville. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

On June 26^th, at approximately 9:45 pm, patrol officers were called to the 8700 block of Binghampton Place in Upper Marlboro for a report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Puryear outside suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

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

If anyone has information relevant to this investigation, they are asked to please call detectives at 301-772-4925.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)

 

WANTED WEDNESDAY

Convenience Store Robbery

Robbery Unit detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a robbery suspect. The suspect targeted a convenience store on Arbor Street in Cheverly on June 22^nd. The masked suspect walked in with a weapon and demanded cash. Please call 301-772-4905 or 1-866-411-TIPS with any information. You will not have to give your name. A reward is being offered.

Attempted Robbery Suspects

Please take a look at the photos of these two suspects. Do you recognize them or perhaps you saw someone wearing those jackets? If so, please call us. We’d like to talk to them both about an attempted robbery at a company in Cottage City on June 22^nd. The suspects ultimately ran away without any money. Please call 301-772-4905 or 1-866-411-TIPS. We are offering a reward in this case.

Drug Store Robbery

Detectives are also actively working to identify and arrest these three suspects in connection with a robbery at a drug store in Lanham. On June 21^st, at approximately 3:00 pm, they walked into the business in the 10000 block of Lanham Severn Road. They threatened an employee and then fled with prescription medication and cash. Anyone with info is asked to call 301-772-4905 or 1-866-411-TIPS. We are offering a cash reward. 

PGPD WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERSHIP TO HEADQUARTERS

The Prince George's County Police Department was proud to host leadership from Mexico, Central America, and South America today. 

PGPD command staff and members from investigative units from across our agency met with our visiting law enforcement partners about attacking transnational crime. Much of the focus was on engaging with criminal leadership abroad as key to protecting county streets and disrupting criminal activity at home. Also, in attendance, was Maryland Deputy Secretary of State Louis Borunda who remarked on the criticality of these partnerships.  Since assuming command in January, 2016, PGPD Chief Hank Stawinski has worked to build relationships with police officials in Latin America in his effort to combat transnational crime. Today's invaluable exchange of information was an extension of that continuing work and follows separate trips by Chief Stawinski and PGPD Assistant Chief Hector Velez to El Salvador.

"Today, on behalf of our community, we had the opportunity to have conversations with the attaches of several countries challenged by transnational crime.  We look forward to collaborating with their police agencies and providing critical information.  We will benefit from receiving information from them so that we, in a concerted way, can make a difference in our community and in their communities when it comes to fighting transnational crime," said Chief Stawinski.

For a video snapshot of today’s meeting click on this link:

https://goo.gl/ZSVfgH

Suspect in 2017 Homicide in Lanham Now in Custody

Benson Thorne

Homicide Unit detectives identified and charged a man in connection with a fatal shooting in Lanham in August of 2017. The suspect is 26-year-old Benson Thorne of the 6800 block of Georgia Avenue in Northwest Washington. He is charged with fatally shooting 24-year-old Troy Foster of Valley Terrace in Southeast Washington.

On August 11, 2017, at approximately 9:15 am, patrol officers were called to the 7000 block of Palamar Turn in Lanham for a welfare check. When they arrived, officers discovered Foster lying on a footpath in a wooded area with gunshot wounds to the body. Foster was pronounced dead on the scene.

The preliminary investigation reveals Thorne shot Foster during an attempted robbery. The suspect and victim were acquaintances.

Thorne is charged with first and second-degree murder and other related charges. He’s currently in custody of the Department of Corrections on a no-bond status. 

Anyone with information 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), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)

PGPD Investigating Fatal Collision in Clinton

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal collision involving a motorcycle in Clinton. The victim is 24-year-old Anthony Lee Taylor of Stacey M Lane in Clinton.

On June 25^th, at approximately 9:40 pm, officers responded to Piscataway Road and Gwynndale Drive for the report of a collision. The victim was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The preliminary investigation reveals Taylor, who was operating a motorcycle, was heading eastbound on Piscataway Road. The driver of a Hyundai was heading westbound and attempted to make a left turn onto Gywnndale Drive. The motorcycle and Hyundai collided in the intersection. The vehicles then collided with another car. The drivers of the two involved cars were not hurt.

Anyone with information 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 to www.pgcrimesolvers.com.

Detectives Investigate Homicide in Riverdale Heights

Detectives with our Homicide Unit are conducting an investigation into the fatal shooting of a man Monday in Riverdale Heights. The victim is 36-year-old Oscar Rene-Espinal of 56^th Avenue in Riverdale Heights. 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 name.

On June 25^th, at approximately 7:15 am, patrol officers were called to the 5400 block of Carters Lane for a report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Rene-Espinal unresponsive in the roadway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

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

If anyone has information relevant to this investigation, they are asked to please call detectives at 301-772-4925.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)

PGPD Investigating Man’s Death in Hyattsville

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating the circumstances of a man’s death Sunday morning in Hyattsville.

On June 24th, at approximately 3:55 am, patrol officers were called to the 3300 block of East-West Highway near Toledo Terrace. The officers located the victim in the roadway. He was pronounced dead on the scene. His identity will be released once his family is notified.

The preliminary investigation reveals the victim had been in an unknown white or silver SUV that was stopped at a red traffic light on East-West Highway. An unknown red sedan was behind that SUV at the light. When the light turned green, the SUV was seen proceedinig through the intersection in an erratic fashion. Moments later, the SUV struck a Honda Civic. After that impact, the SUV continued to drive and struck a sign. At that point, it’s believed the victim somehow fell out of the SUV and landed in the roadway. The driver of the Honda Civic went to check on the man’s condition. It was at that point, the red sedan struck the victim, likely causing the fatal injuries. The SUV and the red sedan both fled the scene. 

Detectives are asking the public for help in locating both vehicles which fled the scene. Again, the SUV is white or silver and may be missing its front grille and has possible scratches or damage to the bumper. The involved red sedan likely has front bumper damage and could be missing parts of its front bumper and quarter panel.

We are asking anyone who was in that area at the time of this incident to please call investigators at 301-731-4422. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.

PGPD Open Letter to Community

The Prince George's County Police Department was one of two entities cited in a recent Washington Post article (“‘A ticking time bomb’: MS-13 threatens a middle school, warn teachers, parents, students,” June 11) in reference to William Wirt Middle School in our county.  

This past Monday, June 18th, our partners at the Prince George's County Public Schools shared an open letter on their website in response to the article:  http://pgcps.com/communications/cards/An-Open-Letter-to-the-PGCPS-Community/

We share in the PGCPS's conclusion that the article inaccurately portrayed William Wirt Middle School and left parents, faculty, students frightened.  As law enforcement, we take an oath to protect and serve every member of our community; a task we do not take lightly and drives our efforts in our communities every day.

As an agency, we offered facts to the Washington Post upon request to include the number of calls-for-service to William Wirt Middle school since September 6th, 2017 through May, 2018 which totaled 74 calls for service, but the article didn't include that only 4 of those calls met the criteria necessary to write a report and none of the actual reports taken were gang-related.   We have a unit designated to tackle MS-13 criminal activity and our officers report that they have not seen the level of activity at Wirt Middle as depicted in the Washington Post reporting.   Our gang unit works in the schools and moves swiftly and decisively to address any gang-related issue whenever and wherever they arise.   

As an agency, we work tirelessly to provide accurate information to the media upon request as we strive every day for transparency, but we cannot stand by quietly while some seek to marginalize and stereotype our community.   

The Prince George's County Police Department stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our peers across our county in the dedicated and continued effort to keep our residents and visitors safe.  We are here for you.  We are here for all.   

Prince George's County Police Proud to be First Police Partner of the National Affinity Project to Make Police-Community Relations Even Stronger

Prince George's County Police Chief Hank Stawinski along with the 1700 men and women of the Prince George's County Police Department are excited to announce our participation in the Affinity Project, a pilot program, launched by the National Law Enforcement Museum and the Illumination Project.   

The Illumination Project was developed in Charleston, SC, after the tragic hate-based killings of 9 innocent parishioners at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2015.  Charleston police and local community leaders launched the Illumination Project in an effort to wrap their arms around their grieving community and to turn the horrifying events into lasting community strength.  Together, the Charleston community worked to build bonds through a series of "listening" sessions where hundreds joined and talked openly to one another about how best to lift up their community and then turned those discussions into action. 

The labor of love in Charleston continues and is now serving as the inspiration for the upcoming Affinity Project at the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington DC.  The Prince George's County  Police Department is proud to serve as the first law enforcement agency in the country to partner with the Affinity Project which is aimed at strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the citizens and communities they serve.  

"I have always been so proud of the strong relationships our agency shares with our residents.  Those relationships are no accident as our officers work daily to maintain those bonds through a multitude of existing PGPD community programs.  We must never relax though, because we understand how critical positive community relations are to keeping our nearly 1 million residents safe every single day.  Our participation in the launch of the national Affinity Project is another exciting avenue by which we can continue to build upon our existing relationships and to forge new friendships and critical partnerships," said Chief Hank Stawinski.        

As we launch this pilot program, we will be joined by residents and community, religious, and academic leaders from across the county.  We begin training this coming Friday and Saturday.    

For the media advisory and contact information for media who wish to cover, please click on the following links:

Media Advisory:

http://bit.ly/2tnPreQ

or

https://lawenforcementmuseum.org/press/national-law-enforcement-museum-and-the-illumination-project-announce-launch-of-the-affinity-project/

Missing Child Found

UPDATED June 22, 2018: Ms. Lemus was safely located.

Yadira Lemus

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the public’s help in searching for a missing child. She is identified as 12-year-old Yadira Lemus.

Lemus was last seen in the 5400 block of Ellerbie Street in Lanham on June 20th  at approximately 9:00 am.

Lemus is described as a hispanic female, 5’3”, and 115 pounds.  She was last seen wearing a white shirt and gray pants.

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.

PGPD Investigates Fatal Pedestrian Collision in Suitland

The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal pedestrian collision in Suitland Wednesday evening. The victim is 62-year-old John Anthony Poole of no fixed address. 

On June 20^th, at approximately 9:35 pm, patrol officers responded to the 4900 block of Allentown Road for a collision involving a pedestrian. The pedestrian, Poole, was taken to a hospital where he died a short time later.

The preliminary investigation reveals that for reasons which remain under investigation, Poole was lying in the roadway on Allentown Road, when he was struck by two vehicles. Both drivers remained on scene and were uninjured. 

Anyone with information 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 go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)

PGPD Marine Unit Performed Water Rescue

The Special Operations Division’s Marine Unit helped rescue construction workers whose crane was struck during a fatal collision on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

On Wednesday, June 20th, at approximately 11:00 am, while patrolling the waters of the Potomac River, our Marine Unit heard a boom and saw an explosion on the nearby Wilson Bridge. The officers raced into help while notifying area public safety agencies  of the unfolding emergency.   As the crew arrived at the bridge, they positioned their boat directly underneath three workers who were dangling off the bridge in a construction bucket and were trapped. 

The conditions were dangerous with thick smoke and fire consuming an accident scene just above the trapped men.  Diesel fuel was spilling down, but our marine boat had to stay locked in position in case any of the workers fell.  Fairfax Fire Department personnel on the bridge helped to lower each of the construction workers down to our officers on the boat below and our crew got the men to safety one-by-one.  

PGPD Sergeant Charles Perry said, “These officers did an outstanding job!  They saw danger and rushed right to it. At one point the diesel fuel was on fire as it was falling down on the officers.   We have taken the marine unit boat out of service because it is now covered in fuel.  We couldn’t be more proud of their quick actions this morning.” 

Wanted Wednesday

Theft Investigation

Detectives are asking for the community’s assistance in identifying this suspect. He’s linked to a theft at a store in the 6400 block of Riggs Road. This theft occurred on June 10^th at approximately 1:25 pm. Please call us with any information on this identity at 301-699-2601.

Theft Suspects

We’ve got a good look at the three suspects who are linked to a theft at an optometrist’s office in Clinton. The preliminary investigation reveals the three suspects stole posed as customers and then stole more than $3,000 dollars’ worth of glasses. This occurred on June 14^th at the office in the 7000 block of Old Branch Avenue. Please call us if you have any information on their identities. 

Robbery Suspects 

These two suspects are wanted for committing an armed robbery at a cell phone store in Greenbelt. The preliminary investigation reveals they walked in and demanded cash from employees at the store on Greenbelt Road on June 15^th. The suspects stole cash and cell phones. Please call us with information that could help detectives. A cash reward is being offered.

Burglary Investigation

Detectives are actively working to make arrests in a burglary in Laurel. These two suspects broke into a repair shop on Baltimore Avenue on June 17th. Once inside, he stole an item. If you have information, please call 301-937-0910.

Detectives Investigate Homicide in Bladensburg

Homicide Unit detectives are actively working to arrest the suspect(s) who fatally shot a teen in Bladensburg. The victim is 17-year-old Bryan Alvarado-Esquivel of Georgia Avenue in Northwest Washington. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. 

  

On June 18^th, at approximately 1:55 pm, Maryland-National Capital Park Police as well as PGPD officers responded to a park in the 5300 block of Varnum Street for the report of a shooting. The victim was discovered outside suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

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

Anyone with information 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), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)

PGPD Investigating Fatal Collision in Suitland

The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal collision in Suitland. The victim is 23-year-old Joseph Simmons of Traders Xing in Laurel.

On June 17^th, at approximately 12:25 pm, patrol officers were called to Allentown Road at Maxwell Drive for a collision. 

The preliminary investigation reveals a car travelling on Maxwell Drive was attempting to make a left turn onto Allentown Road when it collided with Simmons who was riding a motorcycle on Allentown Road. Simmons was taken to the hospital where he died of his injuries. 

Anyone with information 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 go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)

PGPD Investigates Fatal Pedestrian Collision in Bladensburg

The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal pedestrian collision in Bladensburg. Investigators are working to confirm the victim’s identity. Her name will be released once her family is notified.

On June 17th, at approximately 12:20 pm, patrol officers responded to the intersection of 48^th Street and Annapolis Road for a collision involving a pedestrian. The pedestrian, an adult female, was taken to the hospital where she died of her injuries several hours later. The driver of the involved SUV remained on the scene.

The investigation reveals the driver was traveling eastbound on Annapolis Road and made a right turn on to 48^th Street. The pedestrian was struck as she tried to cross 48^th Street. Preliminarily, it appears she was in the crosswalk. The investigation into who had the right of way is continuing.  

Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to please 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 (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.

Missing Child Found

UPDATE: June 16, 2018: Yadira was safely located.

Yadira Lemus

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the public’s help in searching for a missing child. She is identified as 12-year-old Yadira Lemus.

Lemus was last seen in the 5400 block of Ellerbie Street in Lanham on June 15th at approximately 9:30 am.

Lemus is described as a hispanic female, 5’3”, and 120 pounds.  She was last seen wearing blue jeans, grey shirt and black sneakers.

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

Burglary Suspect

We hope this man is going to call us next! We’d like to talk to him about a burglary on Toledo Terrace. On June 5^th, at approximately 12:30 am, our preliminary investigation reveals this suspect broke into an apartment building maintenance room. If you recognize him, please call 301-699-2601.

Fast Food Restaurant Robbery

Our Robbery Unit detectives are working to identify this suspect. He’s wanted for committing a robbery at a fast food restaurant on Indian Head Highway in Oxon Hill. This robbery took place on June 11^th at 7:30 am. Please call 301-772-4905 or 1-86-411-TIPS with any info. A cash reward is being offered.

Burglary Investigation

Detectives are also working to make an arrest in a burglary in Clinton. The preliminary investigation reveals two suspects broke into a business on Woody Terrace in the early morning hours of June 4^th. Please take a look at the surveillance photo and call us with any information. Detectives can be reached at 301-868-8773.

PGPD to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint

The Special Operations Division will conduct a sobriety checkpoint on Friday, June 15, 2018 from 10:00 pm to 3:00 am. Officers will focus on the northern portion of the county. This is one of the many checkpoints that will be conducted throughout the year.

Please never drive under the influence. The consequences are not worth the risk.

Detectives Investigate Fatal Shooting in District Heights

Detectives with our Homicide Unit are conducting an investigation into a fatal shooting on Sunday in District Heights. The victim is 20-year-old Alashia Ervin-Bethea of Chaplin Street in Southeast Washington. 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 name. Preliminarily, detectives do not believe this was a random crime.

On June 10th, at approximately 10:55 am, patrol officers were called to the 2700 block of Lorring Drive for a report of a shooting. They located the victim inside of a car suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead a short time later at a hospital.

Detectives are looking to identify a suspect(s) and a motive.

If anyone has information relevant to this investigation, they are asked to please call detectives at 301-772-4925.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)

PGPD Investigating Fatal Collision in Lewisdale

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal collision in Lewisdale. The victim is 20-year-old Wilber Vasquez-Gonzalez of Quinn Spring Court in Hyattsville. 

On June 9^th, at approximately 2:45 pm, patrol officers were called to the 6900 block of Riggs Road for the report of a collision.

The preliminary investigation reveals the victim was a passenger in a SUV that was travelling southbound on Riggs Road. For reasons that remain under investigation, the SUV lost control and entered the northbound lanes of Riggs Road. The SUV struck a second SUV in the northbound lanes. Vasquez-Gonzalez was pronounced dead on the scene. The drivers of the two SUVs suffered what appear to be non-life threatening injuries. A passenger in the victim’s SUV also suffered what appear to be non-life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information 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 to www.pgcrimesolvers.com.

Graduation Ceremony For Citizens’ Police Academy & Young Adult Citizens’ Police Academy

This evening, the 48 participants of our Citizens' Police Academy Session #42 and the 12 members of our Young Adult Citizens’ Police Academy Session #5 will graduate at a ceremony in Upper Marlboro.

These programs offer citizens and young adults an opportunity to learn extensively about the Prince George’s County Police Department. Representatives from nearly every division interact with the classes, giving details about their division and taking questions.

We thank them all for dedicating their time to learn about our department!

When:  Monday, June 11, 2018

Time:    6:00 pm

Where:  Riverdale Baptist Church

              1177 Largo Road

              Upper Marlboro, MD

PGPD ARRESTS SCHOOL BUS AIDE FOR ASSAULTING 1ST GRADER ON SCHOOL BUS

Prince George's County Police Detectives arrested a man for physically assaulting a 7-year-old boy on a school bus on Thursday, June 7th.  The suspect is 22-year-old DeQuan Brooks of the 9100 block of Cherry Lane in Laurel.   

On the evening of Friday, June 8th, Prince George's County Public School Security provided our agency with video of Brooks, a bus aide, on a school bus with students en route to the Foundation School in Largo.  Brooks is seen on in-bus surveillance video sitting in a seat next to a 7 year-old boy when he grabs the child and shoves him into several seats while he assaults the child about the head and neck.  We immediately launched an investigation upon reviewing the videotaped assault.  Within 24 hours of beginning our investigation, Brooks was taken into custody and charged with Child Abuse and 2nd Degree Assault.  

Preliminarily, our investigation reveals the incident on the bus occurred around 8:26 am on Thursday, June 6th.  At approximately 8:45am, bus transportation officials called 911 with a report of a disorderly student on the bus.  PGPD patrol officers responded to the bus where it had stopped at Annapolis and Bell Station roads.  Once on scene, our officers were advised by the three adults on the bus that a student had been acting out and had attempted to throw Brooks' cellphone out of a window.  Officers found no evidence to support the allegation against the student.  Our officers were never informed that a student had been physically assaulted by Brooks.  It wasn't until the following evening on Friday, June 8th, when school security provided the surveillance video that we learned about the assault and launched this investigation.  We made contact with the victim and his parent who had been told earlier that their child had acted up on the bus ride to school Thursday morning.   We advised the parent of our investigation that their child had been assaulted and advised that the child be seen by a doctor.  The child did have bruising on his neck.

Brooks is currently in custody at the Department of Corrections and is being held without bond.  

Our investigation into the circumstances of this incident continues.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Unit at  (301) 772-4930. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at  1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)