Montgomery County police chief resigns amid travel, leave questions

Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada submitted his resignation to County Executive Marc Elrich today. Announcements regarding the resignation from Elrich and the police department did not initially provide a reason for Yamada's resignation after decades of service to the department. However, it soon came to light that a report from the County Inspector General was being released, following an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General into Yamada's actions regarding travel expenditures, and his alleged failure to request official leave at times that department rules required him to do so.

The OIG investigation also examined whistleblower allegations that Yamada consumed alcohol at a golf event during working hours, and furnished a County government vehicle for use by an unidentified employee of the Office of the County Attorney. Such use of a County vehicle must be authorized by the County's Chief Administrative Officer, and the OIG found that Yamada neither sought nor received such authorization. Investigators determined that Yamada was not armed or in uniform when he consumed two alcoholic beverages at a golf tournament, but that he had not taken official leave to attend the tournament, and was therefore still on-the-clock.

Yamada told investigators that he believed the overtime hours he puts in on a weekly basis covered absences during regular work hours. The OIG report notes that by not receiving authorized leave for those absences, Yamada retained those leave hours on his record, which would apply to credits for his pension upon retirement. 

While news headlines referred to "Las Vegas travel" earlier today, it turned out to be less sensational than the Hangover IV visions such news reports were promising. It turns out that Yamada took an unidentified family member who also works at the police department on an official trip to an out-of-state conference. The OIG report states that Yamada initially told investigators that he did not select the employee, but investigators later found that he had. Lying to OIG investigators is a violation of County Code Section 2-151(m)(2).

The report concludes by noting that its findings will be submitted to the County Ethics Commission, and suggests the County may have legal grounds to recover an unspecified sum from Yamada on behalf of taxpayers. You can read the OIG's complete report here.

Armed robbery in Silver Spring

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in Silver Spring Tuesday evening, September 15, 2026. The robbery was reported in the 9400 block of New Hampshire Avenue between 8:30 and 8:45 PM.  That's a residential segment of the road near St. Camillus Church.

Assault in downtown Silver Spring

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault in downtown Silver Spring early yesterday morning, September 14, 2026. The assault was reported in the unit block of Veterans Place at 1:13 AM Monday. It took place in Veterans Plaza outside the Silver Spring Civic Building.

Unplugged Restaurant & Sports Bar temporarily closed in Wheaton

Unplugged Restaurant & Sports Bar at 11305 Georgia Avenue in Wheaton is temporarily closed. The business said the closure will run from today through Tuesday, September 29, 2026. No reason for the closure was specified. Unplugged opened here in 2015.

Deli Café opening soon in Kensington

Deli Café is opening soon in Kensington. It is located at 4222-D Howard Avenue. That was most recently home to Bamboo Cafe. The exterior has been repainted and permanent signage has been installed above the storefront. Stay tuned for an opening date.

Frank Stallone reminisces on growing up in Silver Spring

One of the famous celebrities who grew up in Silver Spring had the town on his mind today. Frank Stallone shared a photo of himself with family and friends at Glen Echo Amusement Park, taken some time around 1955, on his Facebook account this afternoon. He recalled Silver Spring as a "sleepy town," and one could argue - downtown noise and crime waves aside - it still is a sleepy town in many ways. Stallone also remembered having Goldie Hawn and Ben Stein as neighbors. Yes, yes, Sylvester may be the more famous member of this former Silver Spring family, but Frank is a star in his own right, for his fantastic self-titled rock album of 1984.

Photo via Facebook 

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando discharged from hospital

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D - At-Large) has been discharged from the hospital after a successful surgical procedure following a heart attack last weekend. He is continuing his recovery at home, from where he filmed and uploaded a video message to his constituents. Jawando thanked his doctors at George Washington University Hospital, and the community for the outpouring of support and well-wishes. The video was likely reassuring to constituents, as you would not know he had suffered a medical emergency just days ago if you were not already aware. His appearance and speech showed no sign of illness or impairment.

Jawando advised viewers to "take care of yourself," and not ignore warning signs of cardiovascular health issues. He noted that even exercising regularly and being in good overall health did not prevent last Saturday's heart attack. "I'm in shape, I work out a lot, but things can happen." In short, this could happen to any of us at any time. 

"Most importantly, I want to thank God for getting me through this, and allowing me to still be here and to serve, and to be with you and to be with my family," Jawando said. Doctors expect Jawando, who is the Democratic nominee for Montgomery County Executive, to make a full recovery. "I'll be back on track before you know it," Jawando concluded. Jawando's office announced in a press release that it is fully open even while the Councilmember is recuperating, and that his staff is "available, and ready to serve constituents throughout his recovery."