Arrest Made for Armed Robbery; Other Offenses - News Release

NEWS RELEASE

City of Takoma Park Police Department

● 7500 Maple Avenue ● Takoma Park, Md 20912



For more information contact:

Public Information Officer (PIO)

Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901



April 5, 2013 (11:20 a.m.)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chief Alan M. Goldberg from the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of Jose Zeleya-Batres, 17, of Beltsville, Maryland, for Armed Robbery, Theft over $1,000, Assault and Conspiracy to commit each offense listed. Zeleya-Batres is being charged as an adult. Other arrests may be pending.

On March 16, 2013, at approximately 9:15 p.m., the victim was walking home from work on Kennewick Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland, when he was approached by three Hispanic males asking for money. When the victim stated he did not have any money, the group of men surrounded him and one of them displayed a black handgun from his waist band while the other two went through the victim’s pockets and stole property. The three suspects then fled on foot toward Anne Street.

Shortly after, a Takoma Park Special Assignment Team (SAT) detective assisted Prince George’s County Police with a stop in the 1000 block of University Blvd. of three Hispanic males matching the descriptions given out earlier. Prince George’s County Police had received a call for several Hispanic males smoking a Controlled Dangerous Substance and waving a handgun. Upon arrival, the group fled on foot, however, some were apprehended shortly after, including Zeleya-Batres. Other subjects escaped capture. These subjects are of interest in relation to the armed robbery in Takoma Park and investigation is on-going.

With further assistance in the investigation from a detective in the Montgomery County Police Special Investigations Division (SID), other items that were stolen from the victim were located in the 8200 block of New Hampshire Avenue. A search and seizure warrant was executed at Zeleya-Batres’ residence and other items of evidentiary value were obtained.

Based on the investigation, Zeleya-Batres was arrested and taken into custody at his residence and transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit.