Alleged Silver Spring machete-wielding rapist arrested

Montgomery County police have arrested the suspect in yesterday's rape along the Northwest Branch Trail in Silver Spring. Jose Roberto Hernandez-Penal, 20, of Hyattsville has been with first-degree rape, kidnapping and armed robbery. At 2:40 PM on Tuesday, Hernandez-Penal allegedly approached two adult females on the trail, brandished a machete, and demanded property from the victims. They complied with the demand, but Hernandez-Penal then sexually assaulted one of the women, and then fled the scene. Shortly thereafter, he allegedly assaulted an adult male in the 1100 block of Devere Drive.

Montgomery County still does not have its own police helicopter, but a Maryland State Police chopper was called in to search the area. Officers set up a perimeter in the area. In cooperation with state troopers, Maryland-National Capital Park Police and Montgomery County police K-9 units, they located and arrested Hernandez-Penal.

In interviews with detectives, Hernandez-Penal allegedly "made statements of involvement" in Tuesday's incidents. Detectives believe that there may be additional victims of sexual assault by Hernandez-Penal that have not contacted police. They are urging anyone who believes themselves to be a victim to contact the police department's Special Victims Investigations Division at (240) 773-5050 or Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS(8477). Callers can remain anonymous. 

Police: Rape of Sandy Spring teen "not a random act"

A troubling rape case in Sandy Spring is becoming murkier by the minute. While police had released a description of a suspect in the September 15 rape of a teenage girl walking to school, they now say they have identified and spoken to the alleged assailant. Detectives have now determined the assault was "not a random act," but are releasing no further details.

The state's attorney's office is reviewing the case, and police say there is no danger to the public related to this incident.

Police seek man in attempted sex assault of 16-year-old girl in Briggs Chaney area (Photo)

Montgomery County Police have released a composite sketch of the suspect in an attempted sexual assault Wednesday, in the Briggs Chaney area of Silver Spring. Around 3:00 PM May 4, police responded to a report of the attack in the 14000 block of Castle Boulevard. The suspect entered the victim's apartment building by asking her to hold the door for him.

Once inside, the suspect tried to engage the 16-year-old female victim in conversation, which she dodged by pretending to be on the phone. He followed her up the stairs before grabbing her phone, exposing himself, and then attempting to pull down her pants.

When the victim screamed for help, her brother came out of their apartment and the suspect fled to a blue compact or midsize 4-door vehicle, and drove away.

The suspect is described as a black male in his early 30s, approximately 5’09” to 5’10” tall, and weighing approximately 200 pounds. He has short hair and a beard. He was last seen wearing a teal or dark blue sweatshirt, blue jeans, and black boots (see suspect composite above).

Anyone with information about this suspect is asked to contact the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5400.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at 240-773-TIPS (8477) or Text-A-Tip to: CRIMES (274637), text MCPD and your crime tip.  Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest and/or indictment for this crime.

NORTHWEST BRANCH TRAIL RAPE SUSPECT ARRESTED (PHOTO)

Joaquin Orellana Torres

Montgomery County and Maryland-National Capital Park Police have arrested a suspect in the May 5, 2014 rape that was reported in Northwest Branch Park in Silver Spring.

Park Police detectives searching the park for evidence on Friday, May 9, discovered a backpack matched the description of the one the victim described as being the suspect's. Close by, they encountered the suspect himself, wearing the same necklace the victim recalled him wearing during the attack.

Not only was Joaquin A. Orellana Torres, 24, of Hughes Road in Hyattsville taken into custody, but he also admitted his involvement in the attack, according to Montgomery County Police. He has been charged with one count of 1st degree rape, and one count of armed robbery. A hearing to determine bail will be held on Monday at 1:00 PM.

“The arrest of Joaquin Orellana Torres helps to maintain the safe environment for everyone who uses the Montgomery County Park system," Chief Antonio DeVaul of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police (Montgomery County Division) said in a statement early Saturday morning. "This case was closed quickly due to great work and coordination by detectives from the Montgomery County Police and the Maryland-National Capital Park Police.”

Photo courtesy Montgomery County Police