Trail section closure in Northwest Branch Stream Valley in Silver Spring

A portion of the Rachel Carson Greenway trail (in yellow on above map) is closed for the next several weeks as part of a trail realignment project in the Northwest Branch Stream Valley. The closed stretch runs from the Capital Beltway to the beginning of the hard surface section of the Northwest Branch Trail. Watch for construction crews in that area of the park over the coming weeks, and stay tuned for a trail reopening date.

NORTHWEST BRANCH TRAIL RAPE SUSPECT ARRESTED (PHOTO)

Joaquin Orellana Torres

Montgomery County and Maryland-National Capital Park Police have arrested a suspect in the May 5, 2014 rape that was reported in Northwest Branch Park in Silver Spring.

Park Police detectives searching the park for evidence on Friday, May 9, discovered a backpack matched the description of the one the victim described as being the suspect's. Close by, they encountered the suspect himself, wearing the same necklace the victim recalled him wearing during the attack.

Not only was Joaquin A. Orellana Torres, 24, of Hughes Road in Hyattsville taken into custody, but he also admitted his involvement in the attack, according to Montgomery County Police. He has been charged with one count of 1st degree rape, and one count of armed robbery. A hearing to determine bail will be held on Monday at 1:00 PM.

“The arrest of Joaquin Orellana Torres helps to maintain the safe environment for everyone who uses the Montgomery County Park system," Chief Antonio DeVaul of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police (Montgomery County Division) said in a statement early Saturday morning. "This case was closed quickly due to great work and coordination by detectives from the Montgomery County Police and the Maryland-National Capital Park Police.”

Photo courtesy Montgomery County Police