Violent early-evening
attack raises new
questions about
public safety
Montgomery County police have released surveillance video of the suspects in an August 9 armed carjacking in downtown Silver Spring, in the hope of identifying the two men. Around 8:42 PM that night, two men brandishing handguns allegedly pepper sprayed and pistol whipped a motorist in the parking garage at the Sheraton Hotel at 8777 Georgia Avenue. Both men are seen striding with a pronounced swagger in front of the hotel, and at the entrance to the hotel garage prior to the brutal attack.
Police say the men took the driver's car keys and fled in his vehicle. Such a brazen and violent crime so early in the evening has raised new questions about public safety in downtown Silver Spring, just weeks after a devastating report of spikes in murders, rapes and violent gang crimes was submitted to the County Council. The soft-on-crime Council has proven unable to counter the crime wave of the last 20 months.
Anyone who has information about these two suspects or this carjacking is asked to call Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5100. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). 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.
Probably gang members,the Police report mentioned a significant increase in gang related assaults and robberies in Silver Spring.
ReplyDeleteHere are direct quotes from the Police Report of July 20 2018:
ReplyDelete" Crimes against persons,however,have increased in 2018. Homicides have increased by 10% ( 11 this year vs. 10 during the same period last year)."
From page 3 of the report:
"Increase in gang-related robberies by 36% from 2017.
"Increase in gang related aggravated/simple assaults by 43% from 2017 MS-13 was responsible for 35% of these aggravated simple assaults.
" Increase in gang-related weapons charges"
"Areas of greatest concern:
Gaithersburg/ Montgomery Village is still the district most affected by gang activity.
Various areas of the 3rd district (Silver Spring) : Different gangs responsible for robberies/ Assaults/ Weapons offense charges"
Overall,violent gang related crime has increased by 72% compared to the same reporting period last year."