SILVER SPRING ROBBERY SUSPECT AT LARGE AFTER STABBING WOMAN ON PINEY BRANCH RD.

A woman was stabbed multiple times during a robbery attempt last night in the 9300 block of Piney Branch Road, around 7:45 PM. She has been hospitalized with serious injuries. The robber is still at-large. He is described only as a Latino adult male, wearing a dark blue shirt, and who wore a blue bandanna around his face during the attack.

ASSAULTS IN GLENMONT, FAIRLAND, WHITE OAK, TAKOMA PARK + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on September 26, according to crime data:

Theft. 14200 block Catamount Court.

Burglary. 13400 block Hathaway Drive.

Assault. 2100 block Georgian Woods Place (Glenmont).

Assault. 11200 block New Hampshire Avenue (White Oak).

Theft. 600 block Concerto Lane (White Oak).

Assault. 3500 block Olive Branch Drive (Fairland).

Assault. 12800 block Big Horn Drive (Fairland).

Theft from vehicle. 3000 block Schubert Drive.

Stolen car. 8400 block Piney Branch Road.

Assault. 8200 block Flower Avenue (Takoma Park).

Burglary. 8800 block Manchester Road.

Assault. 8800 block Lanier Drive.

TAKOMA PARK MS STUDENT USING BRAIN WAVES TO PREVENT AUTO ACCIDENTS

Drivers who fall half, or entirely, asleep at the wheel pose a hazard to others every day in America. One student at Takoma Park Middle School is trying to do something about it. 8th grader Katherine Wu is working on a wearable headset that will detect alpha and beta brainwaves, which could trigger a warning alarm when they indicate a driver is falling asleep, Business Insider reports.

She is now competing for $25,000 in the Broadcom MASTERS competition, which will be held October 24-29 in Washington, D.C.

SILVER SPRING RESIDENT INJURED IN MULTI-CAR PILEUP NEAR HAGERSTOWN

Ciara Guihen, a 19-year-old resident of Silver Spring, was injured in a five-car pileup on Interstate 70, near MD 66 (Mapleville Road) close to Hagerstown Friday morning at 11:48 AM, according to WCBC Radio news. She was transported to Meritus Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash was caused by the driver of a Ford F-350 striking a Dodge Caravan, according to the Maryland State Police.

SEXUAL ASSAULT ON NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE., ROBBERY IN WHITE OAK + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on September 23, according to crime data:

Assault. 2200 block Bel Pre Road (Aspen Hill).

Theft. 3000 block Bel Pre Road.

Theft from vehicle. Georgia Avenue at Randolph Road (Glenmont).

Theft from vehicle. 12000 block Milton Street.

Assault. 2400 block Plyers Mill Road (Wheaton).

Stolen car. 11400 block July Road (White Oak).

Robbery. 11600 block Lockwood Drive (White Oak).

Sexual assault. 10100 block New Hampshire Avenue.

Stolen car. Unit block of Noyes Court.

Burglary. 1300 block Spring Street.

Assault. 1300 block Fenwick Lane.

Assault. 8500 block Colesville Road.

SILVER SPRING RESIDENT COMPETING ON THE VOICE (VIDEO)

Menlik Zergabachew, a 19-year-old from Silver Spring, is a star performer on the current season of NBC's hit series, The Voice. Zergabachew chose Team Gwen (Stefani) over Blake Shelton in the second episode of auditions, when both stars competed to get him on board. Entertainment Weekly praised him for his "appealing" voice, and for bringing a reggae sound to the mix of styles on the show.

HOCKEY COACH WHO STOLE WALLETS FROM WHEATON ICE ARENA HEADED TO SLAMMER

Barry Fig, a Rockville resident and hockey coach, pled guilty to theft and drug charges yesterday in Montgomery County Circuit Court. Fig, 36, was sentenced to 14 months behind bars for crimes that included stealing wallets at local ice rinks, including Wheaton Ice Arena. The cause of Fig's downfall was his addiction to the prescription drug Adderall, according to ABC 7's Kevin Lewis.

ASPEN HILL SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT LEADS TO ARRESTS

Montgomery County Police set up a sobriety checkpoint on Saturday at Veirs Mill and Aspen Hill Roads. According to police, the checkpoint stops led to 6 drivers being arrested for DUI, 4 citations being issued, 57 traffic citations, and 17 auto equipment repair orders. County officers arrested over 3,300 drivers for DUI in 2013, but the issue remains a major concern for police and the public.

METRO TESTING NEW 7000-SERIES RAILCARS ON RED LINE (PHOTOS)

WMATA is finally on something of a timetable to restore automatic train control to its subway system, and the Red Line will be the first route to have it, the Washington Post reported on Sunday. In October, some Red Line trains will begin operating automatically, and all trains will do so by next March, according to the Post report. That long-overdue positive sign wasn't the only big Red Line news this past weekend. Metro tested new 7000-series railcars on the Red Line Saturday and Sunday, between the Twinbrook and Shady Grove Metro stations.

I caught one in action at the Rockville station on Sunday. The train was not accepting passengers during the test run. The 7000-series are manufactured by Kawasaki.

We simply must improve the service and reliability of Metro, if we are to even begin to manage future growth in places like downtown Bethesda, White Flint, Silver Spring and Rockville. Scarce transportation dollars need to go to the projects where they impact the most people, such as 8-car trains for Metro, more capacity on the Red Line (especially north of Grosvenor), and a new Potomac River crossing to relieve congestion on the Beltway and I-270.

TAKOMA PARK HOUSE HOSTS EVENT FOR THOSE SEEKING FREEDOM FOR CUBAN SPIES

A home in Takoma Park held a house meeting for 35 people advocating for the release of the so-called Cuban Five by the U.S. Government. The house meeting, reported by The Militant via Google News, was one of several events surrounding a September 13, 2014 gathering in the District by advocates for the Cuban agents. The five men were arrested in Miami in 1998, and convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage, conspiracy to commit murder, acting as an agent of a foreign government, and other illegal activities in the United States.

The DC-area 3-day event included an art exhibit of works by one of the convicted agents created in prison, lobbying, and picketing, according to The Militant.

There's a minor Montgomery County connection to the Cuban Five case. It had been rumored that the Obama administration considered exchanging the convicted spies for Potomac resident Alan Gross, who has been imprisoned in Cuba for several years. Gross was a USAID subcontractor working to provide communication equipment to Jewish residents of Cuba when he was arrested in 2009.

ASSAULT W/DEADLY WEAPON IN WHITE OAK, STOLEN CAR IN DT SILVER SPRING - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on September 17, according to crime data:

Theft from vehicle. Bel Pre Court at Bel Pre Road.

Theft from vehicle. 12600 block Dalewood Drive (Connecticut Avenue Estates).

Burglary. 12300 block Selfridge Road.

Assault. 10800 block Georgia Avenue (Wheaton).

Assault. 11300 block Columbia Pike (White Oak).

Assault with deadly weapon. 11500 block Lockwood Drive (White Oak).

Theft from vehicle. 11200 block Lockwood Drive.

Theft from vehicle. 11100 block Oak Leaf Drive (White Oak).

Theft from vehicle. 1500 block Heather Hollow Circle (White Oak).

Assault. 9300 block Warren Street.

Burglary. 9300 block 2nd Avenue.

Assault. 1300 block Fenwick Lane.

Stolen car. 800 block Ellsworth Drive.

ASSAULTS IN GLENMONT, WHITE OAK; CAR STOLEN ON BLAINE DR. + MORE - SILVER SPRING CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on September 16, according to crime data:

Theft from vehicle. 14200 block Grand Pre Road (Aspen Hill).

Theft from vehicle. 14000 block Georgia Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Theft from vehicle. 2900 block Hewitt Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Assault. 12400 block Flack Street (Glenmont).

Assault. Lockwood Drive at New Hampshire Avenue (White Oak).

Burglary. 1100 block W. Falkland Lane.

Stolen car. 2300 block Blaine Drive.

SILVER SPRING TEACHER WINS $1 MILLION ON WHEEL OF FORTUNE

Math teacher Sarah Manchester, who calls Silver Spring home and teaches at Takoma Park Middle School, spun her way to over $1 million in winnings by landing on the $1 million prize wedge of the venerable contest's wheel.

Her win came on the game show's Teachers Week, and aired last evening here on ABC 7. She told Wheel of Fortune that she plans to spend some of her winnings on social and environmental causes.

Photo via Califon Productions

ASSAULTS IN BEL PRE, WHEATON, DT SILVER SPRING + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on September 14, according to crime data:

Assault. 2300 block Sun Valley Circle (Bel Pre area).

Theft. 3100 block Hewitt Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Theft. 1500 block Casino Drive.

Assault. Andrew Street at Veirs Mill Road.

Burglary. 2200 block Shorefield Road (Glenmont/Wheaton).

Theft from vehicle. 2300 block Blueridge Avenue.

Robbery. 2900 block University Boulevard West (Wheaton).

Assault. 800 block Ellsworth Drive.

ROBBERY IN ASPEN HILL/BEL PRE, 10 ASSAULTS IN EAST COUNTY IN 1 DAY - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on September 13, according to crime data:

Robbery. 3600 block Pear Tree Court (Aspen Hill/Bel Pre).

Assault. 14100 block Georgia Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Assault. Unit block of Wagon Trail Court (Layhill).

Burglary. 2300 block Glenmont Circle.

Assault. 12300 block Kemp Mill Road.

Assault. 2500 block University Boulevard W. (Wheaton).

Assault. 11100 block Georgia Avenue (Wheaton).

Assault. 11200 block Oak Leaf Drive (White Oak).

Assault. 13600 block Sir Thomas Way (Fairland).

Assault. 1900 block Rosemary Hills Drive.

Assault. 9800 block Cahart Place.

Assault. 1300 block Stateside Drive.

CAR STOLEN IN GLENMONT; ASSAULTS IN ASPEN HILL, GLENMONT, WHITE OAK, FOREST GLEN = SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on September 12, according to crime data:

Assault. 14500 block Banquo Terrace (Aspen Hill/Bel Pre).

Theft from vehicle. 4100 block Bel Pre Road (Aspen Hill).

Theft. 14200 block Brad Drive (Aspen Hill).

Burglary. 4700 block Renn Street (Aspen Hill).

Burglary. 12700 block Flack Street (Glenmont).

Assault. Georgia Avenue at Urbana Drive (Glenmont).

Stolen car. 12400 block Georgia Avenue (Glenmont).

Theft from vehicle. 2200 block Greenery Lane (Glenmont).

Assault. 2200 block Randolph Road (Glenmont).

Burglary. 2300 block Glenmont Circle (Glenmont).

Assault. Georgia Avenue at University Boulevard W. at 2:09 AM (Wheaton).

Assault. 11600 block Stewart Lane (White Oak).

Burglary. 11500 block February Circle (White Oak).

Assault. 1500 block Forest Glen Road.

Assault. 900 block Thayer Avenue.

ASSAULTS IN WHITE OAK, WHEATON; BURGLARY IN GLENMONT + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on September 11, according to crime data:

Theft. 13800 block Georgia Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Burglary. 2100 block Glenallen Avenue (Glenmont).

Theft. 2200 block Georgian Way (Glenmont).

Assault. 900 block University Boulevard West.

Theft from vehicle. Lamberton Drive at Arcola Avenue.

Assault. 1500 block Heather Hollow Circle (White Oak).

Theft. 11200 block Oak Leaf Drive (White Oak).

Theft from vehicle. 2000 block Derby Ridge Lane.

2 CARS STOLEN FROM PARKFORD MANOR TERRACE, ASSAULT ON PINEY BRANCH RD - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on September 10, according to crime data:

Assault. 1200 block East-West Highway.

Theft. 800 block Wayne Avenue.

Theft. 600 block Bonifant Street.

Assault. Piney Branch Road at University Boulevard.

Theft. 10100 block Colesville Road.

Stolen car. 3300 block Parkford Manor Terrace.

Stolen car. 3300 block Parkford Manor Terrace.

Assault. 14100 block Castle Boulevard.

Burglary. 13700 block Colgate Way.

JASMINE V, JULIE SARIÑANA, KIKA ROCHA TO APPEAR AT WESTFIELD WHEATON PLAZA

Actress and singer Jasmine Villegas, style and travel blogger Julie Sariñana, and Telemundo personality (and former People en Español fashion director) Kika Rocha will appear at Macy's in Westfield Wheaton Plaza on September 20 at 2:00 PM. The appearances will be part of the store's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Macy's promises a "casual conversation" with the three influential Latinas, who will be asked to reflect on their heritage and the role it has played in their lives.

Jasmine V will give shoppers a sneak preview of her single that is scheduled to be released later this year, and all three will pose with fans in the Macy's Photo Booth. Fashionistas can browse apparel and outfits inspired by the three stars.

Fans will also receive a copy of Jasmine Villegas’ song “That’s Me Right There” and a Macy’s swag bag, with any purchase of $25 or more during the event, while supplies last.

"Macy’s recognizes and values the contributions Latinos have made to our nation, not only in fashion, but also in beauty and every aspect of American popular culture. We look forward to celebrating these achievements with our Hispanic Heritage Month events from coast-to-coast," said Dineen Garcia, Macy’s vice president of Diversity Strategies, in a statement released by Macy's yesterday.

THE PREMIER APARTMENTS GRAND OPENING PHOTO GALLERY - DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING

Downtown Silver Spring officially welcomed its newest high-rise residential building yesterday, The Premier, with a VIP-studded Grand Opening that included a red carpet welcome for guests and residents. The opening was lauded by the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce, whose President and CEO, Jane Redicker, was in attendance. Maryland's State Comptroller - and Montgomery County resident - Peter Franchot presented a proclamation saluting the new building, and those who made it possible. Franchot also presented the building's developers (Guardian Realty) with one of his collectable, official coins.

The red carpet was rolled out

Other public officials included Montgomery County Council President Craig Rice, councilmembers Hans Riemer and Nancy Floreen, Delegate Sheila Hixson, Gaithersburg Mayor and County Councilmember-elect Sid Katz, and Economic Development Director Steve Silverman.

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot
and fellow MoCo resident, Gaithersburg
Mayor Sid Katz

Premier developer Guardian Realty's
Brian and Marvin Lang receive
commendation from Jane Redicker of
the Greater Silver Spring Chamber

Guests were treated to champagne, an open bar in the building's swanky second-floor clubroom, and tours of model units. They also got to take in the spectacular views of downtown Silver Spring afforded by The Premier's rooftop deck. That "15th floor" view extends beyond Silver Spring, as one can see Bethesda and White Flint in the distance.

Mayor Katz checks out the
rooftop deck

Enlarge this pic, and you'll
notice a light-colored dome
at dead center,
far in the distance - can
you identify it?

There is also a dome I spotted between buildings in the distance, but I can't identify it. My guess would be the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in northeast Washington, D.C. If you know what it is, please leave a comment below.

The building is slightly more modest in height and footprint than some of the towers that have opened this year in downtown Bethesda. It is 14 floors tall, and features 160 units that range from studios to 2 bedrooms. Like another new Vantage Management property, the Gallery Bethesda, The Premier is 100% smoke-free. Pets are allowed, with some restrictions. A few other cool features: you are minutes away from not only the Silver Spring Metro station, but also an on-ramp to the Capital Beltway; there is a 24-hour concierge; and The Premier has a LEED certification. Two more bonuses? You are a couple of doors up from one of the best examples of architecture in downtown Silver Spring, the Sheraton hotel. And unlike many apartment buildings, it is easy to invite friends over - there is a large, public parking garage just across from the back of the building where they can conveniently park.

The Silver Spring Sheraton
hotel - one of my favorite
buildings in downtown
Silver Spring - is very close

Nice touches include the overlook of the clubroom down to the well-appointed lobby, upscale furnishings in the common areas, a butterfly garden that can be viewed from many of the units, and a good-size pocket park behind the building. That park features room for events, as well as three moving sculptures created by Barton Rubenstein, who was also in attendance with his wife. A brisk wind kept the sculptures in motion yesterday (stay tuned for the video of the event, to see that for yourself, and much more!).

Barton Rubenstein created the
stainless steel sculptures that
residents - and the public - can
view anytime in the park behind
The Premier

The "Botero Ballerinas"

Yep, they're moving alright

The park behind The Premier

VIPs awaiting the ribbon-cutting
(stay tuned for that on video)

Inside the lobby

Cool view of the lobby
from the second floor
Clubroom

The lobby is nicely-appointed

Open bar in the clubroom
yesterday

Swag bags

Clubroom (behind that curtain
is a view of Georgia Avenue below)

Choose from these coffees
(if you move in)

The butterfly garden on
a lower roof terrace; the
foliage - designed to
attract butterflies - will
grow over time

Rear view of The Premier

The building features
above-ground garage
parking below the units

View from across Georgia Avenue

8711 Georgia Avenue, to
be exact

Want to live at The Premier? Act fast, because there were only about 17 units left as of yesterday. Rents are more affordable than the new buildings in Bethesda, and the building has leased up quickly.