Wheaton Triangle burglary suspects arrested

Montgomery County police have arrested two suspects in the July 9, 2025 burglary of Elite Studio and Barber at 11254 Triangle Lane in the Wheaton Triangle. Two burglars allegedly entered the salon at 2:04 AM that morning, stole unspecified property, and fled the scene. When the business prepared to open later that morning, the burglary and theft were discovered, and someone asked officers who were patrolling nearby on Georgia Avenue to investigate. 

One of the suspects on the salon's surveillance camera was immediately recognized by the officers. They soon caught up with Oscar Hernandez-Bonilla, 39, of Rockville, not far from the salon. He was allegedly in possession of property stolen from the salon. Later that day, police also arrested Osmin Ernesto Martinez Diaz, 41, of Silver Spring, who happened to be in the very block of Georgia Avenue where the officers had been flagged down that morning. Martinez Diaz was suffering from unspecified injuries when officers found him, and was transported to a local hospital. After his release from the hospital, he was released on bond.

Hernandez-Bonilla is still being held at the County jail. Both men have been charged with 2nd-degree burglary, and other theft-related charges. Their mugshots have not been released.

Assault at Silver Spring Recreation & Aquatic Center

Montgomery County police were called to one of the most popular County facilities in downtown Silver Spring on Friday, July 18, 2025, to investigate a midday 2nd-degree assault. The assault was reported in the 1300 block of Apple Avenue at 12:25 PM. It took place at the Silver Spring Recreation & Aquatic Center, which is located at 1319 Apple Avenue.

Armed carjacking in White Oak

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed carjacking in the White Oak area of Silver Spring early Wednesday morning, July 16, 2025. The carjacking was reported on April Lane at 4:30 AM. That is off of Stewart Lane near the White Oak Community Recreation Center.

Downtown Silver Spring retail building for sale

Real estate investors looking for a revenue-generating opportunity have a prime retail property to look into in downtown Silver Spring. 8215 Fenton Street is a two-level, fully-leased building that marketing materials say was constructed in 1973, but looks much newer than that. It is bordered on the north side of the property by Ripley Street, and includes 5 parking spaces. The asking price for the property is $3,000,000, according to the online listing.

Loudoun County wins ORBCOMM HQ over Montgomery County

Another economic development loss for Montgomery County and Maryland is in the books. Not surprisingly, the winner in the latest contest for a corporate headquarters is once again Northern Virginia. ORBCOMM, Inc., currently headquartered in New Rochelle, New Jersey, has announced it will locate its global HQ in Sterling, Virginia, in Loudoun County - not Montgomery County, Maryland. The "internet of things" company is focused on products and services that track, monitor, and control industrial assets around the world. It operates its own network of 31 low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites. ORBCOMM's clients include Walmart, Caterpillar, Hitachi, Target, Tropicana, Tyson, and Canadian National Railways.

"Virginia is proud to welcome ORBCOMM’s global headquarters to Virginia," Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said in a statement. "This decision highlights our commitment to innovation, workforce development, and creating an environment where advanced industries can thrive. We look forward to the economic opportunities and technological leadership ORBCOMM will bring to the Commonwealth."

"As we welcome ORBCOMM's headquarters to Sterling, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the significant economic impact this expansion brings to Loudoun County and the Commonwealth," Virginia State Delegate Atoosa R. Reaser said. "The creation of new jobs is a welcome development and will undoubtedly contribute to the prosperity of our community," said Delegate Atoosa R. Reaser.

Montgomery County has failed to attract a single major corporate headquarters in over 25 years. The County, and Maryland as a whole, have forgone massive amounts of potential tax revenue rather than adopt more competitive, business-friendly policies and tax rates. They have also refused to construct a new Potomac River crossing to the Dulles area that has been on the books for decades, which would provide direct access to the only local airport with the frequency of flights and variety of international business destinations that corporate executives demand. Once an economic engine of the Washington, D.C. region, Montgomery County's economy today is moribund, and the County has become a bedroom community for booming job centers elsewhere in the region.

Sangfroid Distilling seeks waivers for distillery in Takoma Park

Sangfroid Distilling's plan to transform a former bank building at 6950 Carroll Avenue in the City of Takoma Park has run up against two snags. First, the old 1927 bank building is situated across lot lines. A building permit cannot be issued until the two lots are consolidated into one, which requires approval of a preliminary plan. Sangfroid is asking the Montgomery County Planning Board for a waiver that would allow approval of a record plat for the new consolidated lot without the approval of a preliminary plan. It is also seeking a waiver to allow the planned addition to the bank building to rise to 35', in an area where the height limit is 30'.

The Planning Board will take up both requests at its meeting tomorrow, July 17, 2025. Planning staff are recommending approval of both waivers. Their report indicates that they have received no public correspondence in favor of, or in opposition to, the waivers requested.

David Trone endorses Evan Glass for Montgomery County Executive

Evan Glass

Businessman and former Maryland Congressman David Trone has endorsed Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass in the 2026 Democratic County Executive primary race. It's a significant development in the contest for two reasons. One is that Trone's endorsement is valuable politically, as Glass is running in the same "pragmatic centrist" lane as rival Democratic Councilmember Andrew Friedson. Backing from one of the most successful business owners in the county will be a signal to others in the business community.

The second, and most valuable, benefit of Trone's endorsement is even simpler: money. Friedson has plenty of it in his campaign chest. If Trone is willing to spend, and coach others in his Rolodex of powerful local and national Democrats, that will help Glass stay afloat amid the big developer bucks funding Friedson. The most shocking part of the endorsement is that Trone has hired Friedson in the past, and knows him well. To then choose Glass over Friedson says a lot, and certainly gives Glass something to crow about. If nothing else, it shows very skilled political maneuvering on the part of Glass.

Also shocking: the lack of Democrats filing to run for an open executive seat, the highest office in Montgomery County. Is this now a job that few want, as the County faces tough financial times ahead, a structural deficit, heavy debt, and a taxpayer base our leaders have already bled dry with yearly tax hikes? Is the next generation of progressive leadership in Montgomery County privately being told to stay on the sidelines for another 8 years?

Only Councilmember Will Jawando is running in the Marc Elrich progressive lane so far. He is unlikely to match Glass and Friedson in dollars. But he has a chance over the next 11 months to campaign to retain as much of the winning Elrich primary coalition as possible, while Glass and Friedson split the centrist vote. And while Trone is only a multimillionaire, Jawando may also have gained some stump material about the strong support his opponents have from the billionaire oligarchy.

Armed robbery at apartment building in Silver Spring

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery at an apartment building in the White Oak area of Silver Spring late yesterday morning, July 13, 2025. The robbery was reported at an apartment in the 11200 block of Oak Leaf Drive at 11:36 AM Sunday. The Enclave is located on that block of Oak Leaf. 

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!