PGPD Officers Honored for Heroic Rescue at Apartment Building Fire

Prince George’s County, Maryland… Prince George’s County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor and Prince George’s County Chief of Police Mark A. Magaw honored four Prince George’s County Police Officers this morning for their heroic actions in an apartment building fire at 4711 Berwyn House Road in College Park last weekend.

At the College Park Fire Station #812, Chief Bashoor presented the Fire Chief’s Award to 14-year veteran Corporal Eric N. Lee, seven-year veteran Corporal Matthew P. Ling, five-year veteran Police Officer First Class Daniel Gonzalez, and four-year veteran Police Officer First Class Jonathan A. Eyler.  Each received award certificates and letters of commendation from Fire Chief Bashoor for their acts of bravery and service to the community.

On February 4^th, 2012, at approximately 2:30 p.m., all four officers were working in the College Park area when they observed heavy smoke billowing from the sixth floor of the Spellman House Apartments which houses seniors and the mobility impaired.  Without hesitation or protective equipment, they entered the smoke-filled hallways and made their way to the sixth floor.  After locating the apartment where the fire had originated, they forced their way through the smoke and heat to check for occupants.  After finding no one was in that apartment, they made their way back downstairs, assisting the building’s remaining occupants to safety.

“These heroic actions typify the law enforcement professionals who work for our agency.  Each one of these officers did not think twice about risking their own lives in order to bring others to safety.  I want to thank them for their dedication, valor, and commitment to the residents of Prince George’s County,” stated Chief Mark Magaw.

Identity of Suspects Sought in Armed Robbery of 7-Eleven in Forestville

The Prince George’s County Police Department is working to identify the suspects shown in the above surveillance photograph. On February 9th, 2012, at approximately 4:05 a.m., the suspects committed an armed robbery at the 7-Eleven store located at 5401 Silver Hill Road in Forestville, Maryland.

Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is asked to call CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or the CID-Robbery Unit at 301-772-4905 as soon as possible. Please refer to case number 12-040-0253. Whenever information is given to the Prince George’s County Crime Solvers Line, you do not have to leave your name. A CASH REWARD OF UP TO $1000.00 is being offered for the tip that leads to the arrest and indictment of the suspects responsible for this robbery.

PGPD Officers to be Honored for Apartment Building Fire Rescue

Prince George’s County, Maryland… Prince George’s County Fire Chief Mark S. Bashoor will present award certificates and letters of commendation to three Prince George’s County Police Officers for their heroic actions in an apartment building fire in College Park. On Saturday, February 4th, 2012, three officers working in the College Park area noticed heavy smoke billowing from the sixth floor of The Spellman House Apartments located at 4711 Berwyn House Road. Without hesitation or protective equipment, all three officers entered the smoke-filled hallways and quickly evacuated those inside the building to safety.


Who: Prince George’s County Fire Chief Mark S. Bashoor
Prince George’s County Chief of Police Mark A. Magaw

When: Friday, February 10, 2012

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Where: College Park Fire Station #812
8115 Baltimore Avenue
College Park, MD 20740

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

Police Investigate Murder on 61st Place

     Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating the murder of 19 year-old Devon Mansa Gilkes in Riverdale, Maryland.


     On February 8, 2012, at approximately 10:16 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 6400 block of 61st Place for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered Devon Mansa Gilkes suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

     Detectives are working to identify the suspect(s) and establish a motive in this case. The investigation is ongoing.

     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 http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online.