El Dorado Market burglar arrested in Wheaton

A suspect who allegedly broke into El Dorado Market at 11441 Amherst Avenue in Wheaton on July 3, 2025, has been arrested by Montgomery County police. Officers were summoned by a burglar alarm in the early morning hours. Upon arrival at the scene, they found evidence of forced entry at the store. Money was stolen from inside the market. Police successfully took Billy Mendoza-Gonzalez, 39, of Hyattsville into custody. He has been charged with felony 2nd-degree burglary, misdemeanor 4th-degree burglary, malicious destruction of property, and theft of cash between $100 and $1500.

Dacha Beer Garden opening in downtown Silver Spring

Montgomery County fans of Dacha Beer Garden in Washington, D.C. soon won't have to travel so far. The local Bavaria-inspired chain is expanding to Silver Spring. Dacha will take over the former Denizens location at 1115 East-West Highway. It won't just be a change of signage, though. They plan to relocate the Denizens kitchen to the garden level, resurface the patio, replace the outdoor bar with a new covered bar, install a new motorized canopy over the garden area, and update the lighting fixtures and bathrooms. 

The Dacha beverage list includes German, Belgian and American craft beers, local meads and ciders, draft cocktails and a selection of fine wines. Currywurst and krapfen are on the menu at both D.C. locations, so hopefully we can expect those German menu items in Silver Spring, as well. Construction is expected to begin this summer.

Citadel Creole Cuisine opening in Wheaton

Citadel Creole Cuisine is coming soon to Wheaton. The fine dining, full-service Caribbean restaurant will be located at 11300 Fern Street. That 6600-square-foot building has experienced a heavy turnover of Caribbean restaurants recently, including Crossroads Two, and Islands Lounge. With seating for 600, Citadel Creole Cuisine hopes to open before the end of the month. Initial operating hours will be 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Monday through Thursday, 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM on Fridays, 1:00 PM to 3:00 AM on Saturdays, and 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Sundays.

Downtown Silver Spring bank robbery foiled

A bank holdup in downtown Silver Spring went sideways on June 23, 2025, and the would-be robber wound up in the custody of Montgomery's finest. At 5:06 PM that afternoon, the suspect entered the Chase Bank at 8435 Georgia Avenue. He allegedly attempted to rob the bank, but was unable to do so successfully. Bryant Williams, 26, of Clarksburg was arrested. He was charged with felony robbery, and released on his own recognizance.

Advance Auto Parts opening new store in Wheaton

Advance Auto Parts is opening a new location in Wheaton. It is at 12222 Veirs Mill Road, at the Randolph Crossing shopping center. "Coming soon" signage has been posted on the building. This was previously a Walgreens store, and for longer prior to that, a Rite Aid. Advance Auto Parts has an existing Wheaton location at 12021 Georgia Avenue.

Car thieves strike again in Takoma Park

What is happening on New Hampshire Avenue, folks? The crime-palooza that has seized the busy corridor since June 29 keeps going and going. Today we're going back to Takoma Park again, where car thieves stole yet another vehicle parked at a gas station. The theft was reported to Takoma Park City police on July 6, 2025 at 7:02 PM. It took place at a gas station in the 6400 block of New Hampshire, the very same block where a vehicle was stolen from a gas station on July 1.

Photo courtesy Takoma Park Police Department

Robbery at bus stop in Takoma Park

"Fight back!"

Oh, no, not again! Serious criminals continue to hone in on New Hampshire Avenue, which has been experiencing a crime spike since June 29. Here we go again, with another robbery in Takoma Park. This one was reported during broad daylight on July 5, 2025, at 4:22 PM. It took place at a bus stop in the 6900 block of New Hampshire Avenue.

Assault at hair salon in Kensington

Montgomery County police were dispatched to a hair salon in Kensington Friday morning, July 4, 2025, after someone reported having been assaulted there. The assault was reported at a salon in the 3700 block of University Boulevard W. at 9:23 AM Friday. There is a Hair Cuttery on that block at 3731 University.

Strong-arm robbery in Colesville

It's been a rough week on New Hampshire Avenue. The criminal activity continued Thursday afternoon, July 3, 2025. Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery at 1:59 PM. It took place at an ATM machine in the 13300 block of New Hampshire.

Suspects sought in gas station carjacking in Hillandale

Montgomery County police are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating two suspects in relation to the June 30, 2025 armed carjacking at the Exxon gas station at 10206 New Hampshire Avenue in Hillandale. They have released surveillance video footage from the gas station. Around 2:50 AM, the victim was attempting to fill up at the gas pumps, when a dark SUV pulled into the station, and stopped across the front of the victim's vehicle. Two suspects emerged from the SUV, one brandishing a handgun. The victim was ordered out of their black Honda Accord at gunpoint.

Both suspects got into the Accord and sped off, as did a mystery driver in the dark SUV.  Suspect #1 is described by police as a White or Hispanic male in his early twenties with a thin build. He is approximately 5-feet, 6-inches to 5-feet, 7-inches tall and weighs 130-140 pounds. He was wearing a black ski mask, a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and carrying a black handgun. Suspect #2 is described as a Black male with a light complexion in his early twenties. He is approximately 5-feet, 6-inches to 5-feet, 7-inches tall and weighs 130-140 pounds. He was wearing a black ski mask, a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants. There is no description of the mysterious person who drove the SUV.

Anyone with information regarding these suspects or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477.  A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Tipsters may remain anonymous. 

Car stolen from Takoma Park gas station

If they're not carjacking them at the pumps on New Hampshire Avenue, they're stealing the ones parked overnight. Another car has been taken from a gas station on New Hampshire, this one further south in Takoma Park. Takoma Park City police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle at a gas station in the 6400 block of New Hampshire Avenue at 4:06 AM Monday morning, July 1, 2025. That's very close to the D.C. line.

Silver Spring man ordained as permanent deacon for Archdiocese of Washington

A Silver Spring resident is among nine men who were ordained as permanent deacons for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington on June 28, 2025, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Trach Thanh Vo is a member of Our Lady of Vietnam parish at 11812 New Hampshire Avenue, where Mass is offered in Vietnamese daily. He has served multiple roles in his parish, as an acolyte, a catechist, a sacristan, and as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. Our Lady of Vietnam Church, an architectural triumph, is a landmark along New Hampshire Avenue.

Armed carjacking at Silver Spring gas station

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed carjacking at a gas station in Silver Spring on Sunday, June 29, 2025. The carjacking was reported at a gas station in the 13300 block of New Hampshire Avenue at 3:14 AM Sunday. That is in the Colesville area near Randolph Road. 3:00 AM is a dangerous time to fill up in Montgomery County today!

Police looking for knife-wielding shoplifter in Wheaton

Montgomery County police are seeking the public's help in identifying an alleged knife-wielding shoplifter they say stole merchandise from a store in Wheaton on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, and threatened employees there when confronted. Police did not identify the store, which is located in the 11100 block of Veirs Mill Road, but from the photos it appears to be at or near Wheaton Plaza. They say the suspect entered the store around 1:00 PM that afternoon, and began gathering up merchandise. When she allegedly then attempted to leave without paying for the items, she was confronted by an employee. In response, police say, she "displayed a knife," and fled the scene in a black minivan.

Police describe the suspect as a Black female with what appears to be a tattoo on her inner left forearm. She was wearing a red graphic tee, a black hat, black leggings, and white shoes. Anyone with information regarding this suspect or this incident is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. Tipsters may remain anonymous. 

The alleged getaway vehicle

Grocery store burglarized in Long Branch

A burglar alarm summoned Montgomery County police to a grocery store in the Long Branch neighborhood of Silver Spring early Friday morning, June 27, 2025. The burglary took place in the 8700 block of Arliss Street at 3:55 AM. There is a Giant supermarket on that block.

Purple Line-related turn limits ahead on Springvale Rd. in Silver Spring

Drivers on Springvale Road in Silver Spring approaching the intersection with Wayne Avenue will be limited to right turns onto Wayne only for nearly all of July 2025. Beginning on or about July 7, a Purple Line construction crew will be establishing a work zone in the center of the intersection, to facilitate installation of Purple Line light rail trackage and related utilities. 

The turn restrictions are expected to last four weeks. Pedestrian access will be maintained during this time. Watch for signage and flagmen when approaching the intersection this month.

Travel to Jurassic Wheaton June 30 - July 9

Climb aboard the garishly-colored Ford Explorer, and prepare to travel to Jurassic Wheaton. This is not a clever commentary on the total and complete failure of the 2012 Wheaton Sector Plan, but a special pop-up experience at Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall from June 30, 2025 to July 9, 2025 based on the upcoming summer movie Jurassic World Rebirth. Westfield invites you to "transport yourself to a world where dinosaurs once roamed," but leaves most of the details for you to discover. No spoilers! Jurassic Wheaton is described as a "jungle photo experience" in which participants will "snap a pic, explore the themed setup, and watch the film come to life."

The Jurassic Wheaton event will be free and open to the public from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM each day. Look for Jurassic Wheaton in the Center Court on Level 2 of the mall. Jurassic World Rebirth - the film - opens July 2, and tickets are available now at the mall's AMC Wheaton Mall 9 cineplex. The theater will enhance your Jurassic experience with a free InGen ID badge and lanyard (while supplies last with ticket purchase), a dino-size Sriracha Bavarian Legend Pretzel, and a Menacing Mix cocktail made with tropical fruit, Kraken spiced rum and a "gold dusted dehydrated pineapple slice" garnish.

Silver Spring man arrested after alleged fatal punch outside of Bethesda bar

A Silver Spring man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, after a man he allegedly punched outside of a bar in Bethesda later died from his injuries. Montgomery County police say Darrel David Nixon, 31, became involved in a dispute outside of La Catrina Bar & Lounge at 4935 Cordell Avenue early in the morning of February 15, 2025. Surveillance camera footage reviewed by detectives shows Nixon arguing with Morgan Andrew Hippchen Stone, 44, of Bethesda. At one point in the dispute, police allege, Nixon punched Hippchen Stone, who lost consciousness and fell to the ground.

Police and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services personnel arrived at the scene at 2:37 AM, and found Hippchen Stone laying in the street, unconscious and unresponsive. He was transported to a local hospital, where he tragically died from his injuries almost a month later, on March 9. On April 22, the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, caused by blunt force head injuries.

Starting with the surveillance video, detectives developed their investigation, and ultimately identified Nixon as their suspect. He was arrested Tuesday, and was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.

White Oak 7-Eleven held up

A robber held up a 7-Eleven convenience store at 11303 Lockwood Drive in the White Oak area of Silver Spring on June 10, 2025. At 2:37 PM that afternoon, a suspect entered the store and allegedly began to steal merchandise. Confronted by an adult male employee, the suspect allegedly assaulted him. The tables turned quickly, however.

Montgomery County police took the man into custody. Andre Kirksey, 27, of Silver Spring has been charged with felony robbery, 2nd-degree assault, theft, trespassing, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held without bond at the County jail, pending his preliminary court hearing on July 11.

Advance Auto Parts burglarized in Aspen Hill

A burglar alarm summoned Montgomery County police to Advance Auto Parts at 2285 Bel Pre Road at Plaza del Mercado in Aspen Hill in the early morning hours of June 9, 2025. Officers found evidence of forced entry at the store. Merchandise was stolen. Police describe the suspect only as a White man of unknown age. If you can help detectives close this case, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Royal Farms taking form in Montgomery Hills (Photos)

The Royal Farms convenience store and mega gas station are taking structural form in the Montgomery Hills area of Silver Spring. Located on the site of a demolished gas station at 9475 Georgia Avenue, the new operation will have the lucrative "last gas" positioning for drivers heading north to get on the Capital Beltway. As you can see in the photos below, the framework of the store building is now standing, and the mega gas station canopy has been erected. You can also see the gas tanks installed below ground level.

Armed robbery at White Oak apartment building

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery at an apartment building in the White Oak area of Silver Spring Friday morning, June 20, 2025. The robbery was reported at a building in the 11200 block of Oak Leaf Drive at 11:28 AM Friday. The Enclave is located on that block.

Stabbing at Aldi in Calverton

This morning's news takes us back once again to Calverton. Montgomery County police were called to the Aldi at 12012 Cherry Hill Road at the Orchard Center on June 13, 2025. At 8:31 PM that evening, a male suspect allegedly displayed a weapon and stabbed a man at the grocery store. Police identified and arrested a suspect. 

Juan Rivas-Jordan, 44, of no fixed address, has been charged with felony 2nd-degree attempted murder, felony 1st-degree assault, misdemeanor theft, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held without bond at the County jail. 

According to Maryland court records, Rivas-Jordan had been arrested for theft and trespassing in a separate incident in March. On March 15, he posted $1000 bond and was released pending trial. Rivas-Jordan did not appear at his trial on May 5. Judge Eric John Nee issued a bench warrant for his arrest. That outstanding warrant was served when Rivas-Jordan was arrested for the alleged June 13 stabbing.

One victim injured in Calverton shooting

One person was seriously injured in a daytime shooting in Calverton yesterday, Montgomery County police report. Officers were dispatched to the unit block of Hunters Gate Court at 1:12 PM yesterday, June 19, 2025. That is a townhome community across the street from the Orchard Center shopping center. Officers found an adult male suffering from "serious injuries," but police did not specify that the injuries were gunshot wounds, as they do in other cases. One suspect was taken into custody, and police say they believe this was an "isolated incident." However, their investigation is ongoing.

Temporary closure of Bonifant St.-Ramsey Ave. intersection in Silver Spring set for July 10, 2025

Commuters and residents in downtown Silver Spring should prepare for a temporary full closure of the intersection of Ramsey Avenue and Bonifant Street, effective on or about July 10, 2025, through September 10, 2025. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) announced on Tuesday that this closure is required so that crews can install new tracks, reconstruct sidewalks, and complete essential utility crossings for the Purple Line light rail project.

The closure will necessitate adjustments for those accessing the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center and surrounding businesses. However, the MTA emphasizes that significant efforts have been made to maintain accessibility for key transit services and local establishments.

Impact and Alternative Access:

Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center (Level 3) Access: The Kiss and Ride and taxi stands on Level 3 of the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center will remain open and accessible. All traffic intending to use these services should plan to access them via Ripley Street.

Bonifant-Dixon Garage: Access to the Bonifant-Dixon Garage from Dixon Street will remain open for the convenience of local businesses.

Pedestrian Access: The MTA assures the public that pedestrian access to the transit center, the MARC platform, and all local businesses in the vicinity will be maintained throughout the closure. Pedestrians are advised to follow posted signage and directions from on-site personnel for safe navigation.

Commuters are encouraged to plan their routes in advance and allow for extra travel time during this two-month period. The MTA advises all individuals in the area to pay close attention to posted signage and instructions from on-site personnel, who will be present to guide traffic and pedestrians safely through the work zone.

Montgomery County Council wants to ban bamboo

The few among the public who even know what the Montgomery County Council is, or what it does, would tell you it primarily raises taxes, provides reckless zoning and giveaways of taxpayer money and public land to its developer sugar daddies, and "bans stuff." It's a lazy summer for the very part-time Council, but it has just announced the latest thing it wants to ban: bamboo. If Bill 26-25 passes later this year, perhaps after the Council's long summer vacation, there would also be a new nanny state requirement that at least 50% of the landscaping in any new development be comprised of native plants, although this provision appears only in the Council press release and not in the current language of the bill.

The bill would prohibit the sale of invasive bamboo, which is a rapidly-spreading plant. It would also establish penalties for doing so. A public hearing on the bill has been scheduled for July 22, 2025 at 1:30 PM at the County Council chambers.

Most people would probably agree that bamboo is an aggressively invasive plant. Maybe it should be banned, or maybe it should have been banned a long time ago. But one can't help but notice the many crises the County is facing, and wonder why bamboo is the top priority of the County Council. The current Council hasn't passed a single bill to address our moribund economy or sustained violent crime wave. Montgomery County hasn't attracted a single major corporate headquarters in over 25 years. And we are currently facing fiscal oblivion in the coming years, regarding the County's structural budget deficit and debt. This is a part-time Council that is absurdly unserious in its legislative pursuits. We can't go on like this.

ALERT: Possibly-rabid raccoon in Wheaton/Kemp Mill area

Montgomery County is alerting residents in the Arcola Avenue area of Wheaton and Kemp Mill that there is a potentially-rabid raccoon on the loose in that vicinity. Areas likely to be frequented by the raccoon would include Arville, Kemp Mill, Wheaton Regional Park, Arcola Local Park, Sligo Creek, and Colt Terrace Neighborhood Park. However, keep in mind that the typical raccoon in a developed area like this may travel as far as one-to-two miles each night, so you really want to be aware of your surroundings during the day and night, if you are within a mile or two of Arcola Avenue. Behavior and movement of a raccoon will also be affected if it is rabid; it is more likely to roam during daylight hours, for example.

The raccoon in question has bitten two people in the 1800 block of Franwall Avenue in the Arville neighborhood. The County Office of Animal Services and the Department of Health and Human Services are asking residents to be alert, and to share this information with neighbors. Rabies is a serious disease that is typically fatal if the victim of exposure does not receive rabies shots in time.

Residents are asked to call 911 and Animal Services at 240-773-5900 if they come into immediate contact with an animal acting aggressively or strangely. If you determine you are not in immediate danger from the animal, you can just call Animal Services to report your sighting so that they can investigate.  HHS advises that if you and/or your pet had contact with a raccoon in this area, to seek medical or veterinary care immediately. If you can supervise your pets' outdoor time, and keep them indoors the rest of the time, that would be the safest way to avoid or be aware of any contact with this raccoon.

Downtown Silver Spring retail building for sale

A three-level retail building at 8241 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring has hit the market for sale. It is fully-leased with seven tenants. Constructed in 1987, the building is really a mini-mall in its layout, which includes an elevator servicing all three levels. It will also be a prime redevelopment opportunity in the future. That is one of the reasons the asking price is $5,000,000, according to the online listing. Another reason is that the current owner kept rents lower to retain tenants during the pandemic and Purple Line construction, leaving the new owner a justification to raise them once the light rail system opens in 2027.

Love this retro 80s design

Photos courtesy Larry Rosen Commercial & Investment Realty Associates, LLC