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
June 7, 2012 (7:14 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci of the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of Alexander Gorge Ellis, 19, of no fixed address, for 1st degree burglary, theft over $1,000 and malicious destruction of property. Ellis was apprehended today in the 100 block of Sandy Hill Drive in Ocean City, Maryland.
On June 5, 2012, at approximately 9:10 a.m., a witness who was walking from Takoma Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland, to the 500 block of New York Avenue, heard breaking glass and observed a suspect running from the side of the residence towards the roadway, where he turned right and was last seen walking up Buffalo Avenue. Takoma Park Police were dispatched and a suspect matching the description given was stopped in the 7400 block of Piney Branch Road by members of the Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU), Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and patrol units. When asked for identification, the juvenile suspect gave a false name. The suspect was carrying a blue bag containing a computer that had been described in a list of missing property from a victim of a previous burglary. The suspect was visually identified by the witness as the person seen running from the property where the sound of glass was breaking.
A check of the residence in the 500 block of New York Avenue revealed that a window had been broken out of the side door that led to the laundry room and basement. No entry was gained into the residence.
Montgomery County K-9 responded and a track was conducted. The track led from the side of the residence in the 500 block of New York Avenue to the 7400 block of Piney Branch Road, where the K-9 alerted on the suspect on the scene. The suspect, a 17 year old male juvenile of Washington, D.C., was arrested and transported to the Takoma Park Police Department. The investigation led to the identification of the other suspects involved in committing the series of residential burglaries that have been plaguing the City. A Montgomery County investigator responded to Takoma Park to work a collaborative investigation, since there have been 10 residential burglaries in their jurisdiction with similarities.
A follow up was conducted with a victim from the burglary on May 30, 2012, in the 7400 block of Cedar Avenue, who positively identified property that had been stolen. In addition, there were several items of jewelry taken during various burglaries that were recovered at a local pawn shop. Victims from the Takoma Park burglaries have identified property in five of the six burglaries.
As a result of property being recovered at the pawn shop, search warrants were obtained and additional arrest warrants issued for information that identified other suspects involved in committing the burglaries.
A computer check of the juvenile’s true name revealed that he was wanted by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office for being absent from a group home.
The juvenile is being held at the Noyes Juvenile Detention Facility.
On June 6, 2012, a search and seizure warrant was executed at the residence of Darlene Lucas, 46, in Southeast Washington, D.C., as a result of the residential burglary investigation. During a search of Lucas' residence, investigators located additional property belonging to victims from Takoma Park. Lucas was taken into custody without incident and charged with 1st degree burglary, theft over $1,000 and malicious destruction of property. She is being held at the D.C. City Jail pending extradition to the State of Maryland.
Investigation further led investigators to Ellis as a suspect in the series of residential burglaries in Takoma Park. Ellis fled from Washington, D.C. to avoid being apprehended on June 5th. Investigators learned that Ellis had ties to a location in Ocean City, Maryland. Takoma Park detectives contacted Ocean City Police Criminal Investigators and coordinated efforts to apprehend Ellis. Ellis was apprehended at approximately 1:30 p.m. today in the 100 block of Sandy Hill Drive, Ocean City, Maryland, by Ocean City Police Officers, without incident. Takoma Park and Montgomery County Criminal Investigators responded to Ocean City, Maryland, to return Ellis to Montgomery County for the Takoma Park Police burglary warrant.
This investigation is still on-going for other suspects believed to be responsible for committing the series of residential burglaries.
Chief Ricucci is proud of the citizen who called the police when she observed suspicious behavior. He is proud of the Takoma Park police detectives and police officers who assisted with the apprehension of these suspects involved in committing these series of residential burglaries that have occurred in Takoma Park, Maryland, and Montgomery County, Maryland. He would like to thank police from the DC Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District, who worked diligently with preparing the DC search warrants, as well as the Montgomery County Police Department and Montgomery County's K-9 officer.
In addition to the above personnel, Chief Ricucci would like to thank the Ocean City Police Department for their quick coordinated efforts with apprehending Ellis on an active warrant through Takoma Park.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Takoma Park Police Department Weekly Crime Report: 6/1/12 - 6/7/12
Ward 1:
Residential Burglary
7300 blk. of Cedar Ave., on Sunday, June 3rd at 2:15 p.m., officers responded to a burglary that occurred earlier. Known suspects broke a basement door window to gain entry into a residence and stole property.
7300 blk. of Maple Ave., on Sunday, June 3rd at 2:00 p.m., officers responded to a burglary that occurred earlier. Known suspects attempted to gain entry into a residence by cutting a window screen, but were unsuccessful.
500 blk. of New York Ave., on Tuesday, June 5th at 9:11 a.m., a male 17 was arrested for attempting to force entry into a residence.
Larceny from Auto
100 blk. of Tulip Ave., on Saturday, June 2nd at 2:23 p.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) broke a vehicle window and stole a GPS unit.
Auto Theft
7300 blk. of Piney Branch Rd., on Sunday, June 6th at 2:22 p.m., officers responded to an auto theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspects(s) stole a blue 2012 Honda CRV by unknown means from a driveway.
Ward 2:
Larceny
Unit blk. of Manor Cir., on Friday, June 1st at 10:12 p.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) removed a victim’s property by unknown means from a building.
Ward 3:
Larceny
6600 blk. of Eastern Ave., on Friday, June 1st at 11:42 p.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) stole a bicycle by unknown means that was chained to a chair.
Ward 4:
None
Ward 5:
Auto Theft
600 blk. of Houston Ave., on Saturday, June 2ND at 8:05 p.m., officers responded to an auto theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) stole a gray 1991 Buick Park Avenue by unknown means while parked on the street.
Ward 6:
Larceny
7100 blk. of New Hampshire Ave., on Friday, June 1st at 9:37 a.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) removed a registration sticker from rear license plate.
1300 blk. of University Blvd., on Tuesday, June 5th at 8:00 p.m., a male 48 was arrested for attempting to remove items from a store without paying.
1300 blk. of University Blvd., on Tuesday, June 5th at 12:25 p.m., officers responded to a theft that just occurred. An unknown male suspect removed property from a store and fled without paying.
1100 blk. of University Blvd., on Monday, June 4th at 4:41 p.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) stole a customer’s unattended property that was left on a counter of a store.
1300 blk. of Holton Ln., on Monday, June 4th at 12:54 p.m., officers responded to a theft that just occurred. Two male suspect(s) entered a store and removed an employee’s purse while the employee was distracted.
900 blk. of Anne St., on Sunday, June 3rd at 8:24 p.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) stole a vehicles rear license plate.
7600 blk. of Hammond Ave., on Friday, June 1st at 11:17 a.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred overnight. Unknown suspect(s) stole a rear license plate from a motorcycle.
7100 blk. of New Hampshire Ave., on Friday, June 1st at 9:37 a.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) removed a registration sticker from rear license plate.
Arrests:
7600 blk. of Flower Ave., on Wednesday, June 6th at 10:52 p.m., a male 37 was arrested for having a fraudulent I.D. and driving without a license.
800 blk. of Forston St., on Monday, June 4th at 6:15 p.m., a female 20 was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident and related charges.
900 blk. of Merrimac Ave., on Sunday, June 3rd at 12:48 a.m., two males 30 and 37 were arrested for possession of cocaine.
7600 blk. of New Hampshire Ave., on Saturday, June 2nd at 9:24 p.m., a male 44 was arrested for possession of amphetamine.
Intersection of New Hampshire Ave., and Holton Ln., on Saturday, June 2nd at 1:35 a.m., a male 29 was arrested for disorderly conduct.
1100 blk. of University Blvd., on Wednesday, June 6th at 6:30 p.m., a male 24 was arrested for having an open arrest warrant.
7600 blk. of Maple Ave., on Tuesday, June 5th at 1:37 a.m., three males 29, 31, and 60 was arrested for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and possession of a handgun.
Residential Burglary
7300 blk. of Cedar Ave., on Sunday, June 3rd at 2:15 p.m., officers responded to a burglary that occurred earlier. Known suspects broke a basement door window to gain entry into a residence and stole property.
7300 blk. of Maple Ave., on Sunday, June 3rd at 2:00 p.m., officers responded to a burglary that occurred earlier. Known suspects attempted to gain entry into a residence by cutting a window screen, but were unsuccessful.
500 blk. of New York Ave., on Tuesday, June 5th at 9:11 a.m., a male 17 was arrested for attempting to force entry into a residence.
Larceny from Auto
100 blk. of Tulip Ave., on Saturday, June 2nd at 2:23 p.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) broke a vehicle window and stole a GPS unit.
Auto Theft
7300 blk. of Piney Branch Rd., on Sunday, June 6th at 2:22 p.m., officers responded to an auto theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspects(s) stole a blue 2012 Honda CRV by unknown means from a driveway.
Ward 2:
Larceny
Unit blk. of Manor Cir., on Friday, June 1st at 10:12 p.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) removed a victim’s property by unknown means from a building.
Ward 3:
Larceny
6600 blk. of Eastern Ave., on Friday, June 1st at 11:42 p.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) stole a bicycle by unknown means that was chained to a chair.
Ward 4:
None
Ward 5:
Auto Theft
600 blk. of Houston Ave., on Saturday, June 2ND at 8:05 p.m., officers responded to an auto theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) stole a gray 1991 Buick Park Avenue by unknown means while parked on the street.
Ward 6:
Larceny
7100 blk. of New Hampshire Ave., on Friday, June 1st at 9:37 a.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) removed a registration sticker from rear license plate.
1300 blk. of University Blvd., on Tuesday, June 5th at 8:00 p.m., a male 48 was arrested for attempting to remove items from a store without paying.
1300 blk. of University Blvd., on Tuesday, June 5th at 12:25 p.m., officers responded to a theft that just occurred. An unknown male suspect removed property from a store and fled without paying.
1100 blk. of University Blvd., on Monday, June 4th at 4:41 p.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) stole a customer’s unattended property that was left on a counter of a store.
1300 blk. of Holton Ln., on Monday, June 4th at 12:54 p.m., officers responded to a theft that just occurred. Two male suspect(s) entered a store and removed an employee’s purse while the employee was distracted.
900 blk. of Anne St., on Sunday, June 3rd at 8:24 p.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) stole a vehicles rear license plate.
7600 blk. of Hammond Ave., on Friday, June 1st at 11:17 a.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred overnight. Unknown suspect(s) stole a rear license plate from a motorcycle.
7100 blk. of New Hampshire Ave., on Friday, June 1st at 9:37 a.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) removed a registration sticker from rear license plate.
Arrests:
7600 blk. of Flower Ave., on Wednesday, June 6th at 10:52 p.m., a male 37 was arrested for having a fraudulent I.D. and driving without a license.
800 blk. of Forston St., on Monday, June 4th at 6:15 p.m., a female 20 was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident and related charges.
900 blk. of Merrimac Ave., on Sunday, June 3rd at 12:48 a.m., two males 30 and 37 were arrested for possession of cocaine.
7600 blk. of New Hampshire Ave., on Saturday, June 2nd at 9:24 p.m., a male 44 was arrested for possession of amphetamine.
Intersection of New Hampshire Ave., and Holton Ln., on Saturday, June 2nd at 1:35 a.m., a male 29 was arrested for disorderly conduct.
1100 blk. of University Blvd., on Wednesday, June 6th at 6:30 p.m., a male 24 was arrested for having an open arrest warrant.
7600 blk. of Maple Ave., on Tuesday, June 5th at 1:37 a.m., three males 29, 31, and 60 was arrested for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and possession of a handgun.
Takoma Park Police Make Additional Arrest in Burglaries - 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
June 7, 2012 (10:57 a.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci of the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of Darlene Lucas, 46, of Washington, D.C., for 1st degree burglary, theft over $1,000 and malicious destruction of property.
On June 5, 2012, at approximately 9:10 a.m., a witness who was walking from Takoma Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland, to the 500 block of New York Avenue, heard breaking glass and observed a suspect running from the side of the residence towards the roadway, where he turned right and was last seen walking up Buffalo Avenue. Takoma Park Police were dispatched and a suspect matching the description given was stopped in the 7400 block of Piney Branch Road by members of the Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU), Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and patrol units. When asked for identification, the juvenile suspect gave a false name. The suspect was carrying a blue bag containing a computer that had been described in a list of missing property from a victim of a previous burglary. The suspect was visually identified by the witness as the person seen running from the property where the sound of glass was breaking.
A check of the residence in the 500 block of New York Avenue revealed that a window had been broken out of the side door that led to the laundry room and basement. No entry was gained into the residence.
Montgomery County K-9 responded and a track was conducted. The track led from the side of the residence in the 500 block of New York Avenue to the 7400 block of Piney Branch Road, where the K-9 alerted on the suspect on the scene. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Takoma Park Police Department. The investigation led to the identification of the other suspects involved in committing the series of residential burglaries that have been plaguing the City. A Montgomery County investigator responded to Takoma Park to work a collaborative investigation, since there have been 10 residential burglaries in their jurisdiction with similarities.
A follow up was conducted with a victim from the burglary on May 30, 2012, in the 7400 block of Cedar Avenue, who positively identified property that had been stolen. In addition, there were several items of jewelry taken during various burglaries that were recovered at a local pawn shop. Victims from the Takoma Park burglaries have identified property in five of the six burglaries.
As a result of property being recovered at the pawn shop, search warrants were obtained and additional arrest warrants issued for information that identified other suspects involved in committing the burglaries.
A computer check of the juvenile’s true name revealed that he was wanted by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office for being absent from a group home.
The juvenile is being held at the Noyes Juvenile Detention Facility.
On June 6, 2012, a search and seizure warrant was executed at the residence of Lucas in Southeast Washington, D.C., as a result of the residential burglary investigation. During a search of Lucas' residence, investigators located additional property belonging to victims from Takoma Park. Lucas was taken into custody without incident. Investigation confirmed her involvement in the burglaries in Takoma Park. Lucas is being held at the D.C. City Jail pending extradition to the State of Maryland.
Chief Ricucci is proud of the citizen who called the police when she observed suspicious behavior. He is proud of the Takoma Park police detectives and police officers who assisted with the apprehension of these suspects involved in committing these series of residential burglaries that have occurred in Takoma Park, Maryland, and Montgomery County, Maryland. He would like to thank police from the DC Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District, who worked diligently with preparing the DC search warrants, as well as the Montgomery County Police Department and Montgomery County's K-9 officer.
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
June 7, 2012 (10:57 a.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci of the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of Darlene Lucas, 46, of Washington, D.C., for 1st degree burglary, theft over $1,000 and malicious destruction of property.
On June 5, 2012, at approximately 9:10 a.m., a witness who was walking from Takoma Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland, to the 500 block of New York Avenue, heard breaking glass and observed a suspect running from the side of the residence towards the roadway, where he turned right and was last seen walking up Buffalo Avenue. Takoma Park Police were dispatched and a suspect matching the description given was stopped in the 7400 block of Piney Branch Road by members of the Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU), Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and patrol units. When asked for identification, the juvenile suspect gave a false name. The suspect was carrying a blue bag containing a computer that had been described in a list of missing property from a victim of a previous burglary. The suspect was visually identified by the witness as the person seen running from the property where the sound of glass was breaking.
A check of the residence in the 500 block of New York Avenue revealed that a window had been broken out of the side door that led to the laundry room and basement. No entry was gained into the residence.
Montgomery County K-9 responded and a track was conducted. The track led from the side of the residence in the 500 block of New York Avenue to the 7400 block of Piney Branch Road, where the K-9 alerted on the suspect on the scene. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Takoma Park Police Department. The investigation led to the identification of the other suspects involved in committing the series of residential burglaries that have been plaguing the City. A Montgomery County investigator responded to Takoma Park to work a collaborative investigation, since there have been 10 residential burglaries in their jurisdiction with similarities.
A follow up was conducted with a victim from the burglary on May 30, 2012, in the 7400 block of Cedar Avenue, who positively identified property that had been stolen. In addition, there were several items of jewelry taken during various burglaries that were recovered at a local pawn shop. Victims from the Takoma Park burglaries have identified property in five of the six burglaries.
As a result of property being recovered at the pawn shop, search warrants were obtained and additional arrest warrants issued for information that identified other suspects involved in committing the burglaries.
A computer check of the juvenile’s true name revealed that he was wanted by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office for being absent from a group home.
The juvenile is being held at the Noyes Juvenile Detention Facility.
On June 6, 2012, a search and seizure warrant was executed at the residence of Lucas in Southeast Washington, D.C., as a result of the residential burglary investigation. During a search of Lucas' residence, investigators located additional property belonging to victims from Takoma Park. Lucas was taken into custody without incident. Investigation confirmed her involvement in the burglaries in Takoma Park. Lucas is being held at the D.C. City Jail pending extradition to the State of Maryland.
Chief Ricucci is proud of the citizen who called the police when she observed suspicious behavior. He is proud of the Takoma Park police detectives and police officers who assisted with the apprehension of these suspects involved in committing these series of residential burglaries that have occurred in Takoma Park, Maryland, and Montgomery County, Maryland. He would like to thank police from the DC Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District, who worked diligently with preparing the DC search warrants, as well as the Montgomery County Police Department and Montgomery County's K-9 officer.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Takoma Park Police Catch Burglars; Close Six Cases – 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
June 6, 2012 (3:45 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci of the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of a 17 year old male juvenile of Washington, D.C., for 1st degree residential burglary, attempt 1st degree residential burglary, destruction of property, possession of stolen property and making a false statement to police.
On June 5, 2012, at approximately 9:10 a.m., a witness who was walking from Takoma Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland, to the 500 block of New York Avenue, heard breaking glass and observed a suspect running from the side of the residence towards the roadway, where he turned right and was last seen walking up Buffalo Avenue. Takoma Park Police were dispatched and a suspect matching the description given was stopped in the 7400 block of Piney Branch Road by members of the Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU), Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and patrol units. When asked for identification, the juvenile suspect gave a false name. The suspect was carrying a blue bag containing a computer that had been described in a list of missing property from a victim of a previous burglary. The suspect was visually identified by the witness as the person seen running from the property where the sound of glass was breaking.
A check of the residence in the 500 block of New York Avenue revealed that a window had been broken out of the side door that led to the laundry room and basement. No entry was gained into the residence.
Montgomery County K-9 responded and a track was conducted. The track led from the side of the residence in the 500 block of New York Avenue to the 7400 block of Piney Branch Road, where the K-9 alerted on the suspect on the scene. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Takoma Park Police Department. The suspect provided information that led to the identification of the other suspects involved in committing the series of residential burglaries that have been plaguing the City. A Montgomery County investigator responded to Takoma Park to work a collaborative investigation, since there have been 10 residential burglaries in their jurisdiction with similarities.
A follow up was conducted with a victim from the burglary on May 30, 2012, in the 7400 block of Cedar Avenue, who positively identified property that had been stolen. In addition, there were several items of jewelry taken during various burglaries that were recovered at a local pawn shop. Victims from the Takoma Park burglaries have identified property in five of the six burglaries.
As a result of property being recovered at the pawn shop, search warrants were obtained and additional arrest warrants for the juvenile’s two co-defendants’ were issued. Additional information will follow.
A computer check of the juvenile’s true name revealed that he was wanted by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office for being absent from a group home.
The juvenile is being held at the Noyes Juvenile Detention Facility.
Chief Ricucci is proud of the citizen who called the police when she observed suspicious behavior. He is proud of the Takoma Park police detectives and police officers who assisted with the apprehension of these suspects involved in committing these series of residential burglaries that have occurred in Takoma Park, Maryland, and Montgomery County, Maryland. He would like to thank police from the DC Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District, who worked diligently with preparing the DC search warrant, as well as the Montgomery County Police Department and Montgomery County's K-9 officer.
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
June 6, 2012 (3:45 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci of the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of a 17 year old male juvenile of Washington, D.C., for 1st degree residential burglary, attempt 1st degree residential burglary, destruction of property, possession of stolen property and making a false statement to police.
On June 5, 2012, at approximately 9:10 a.m., a witness who was walking from Takoma Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland, to the 500 block of New York Avenue, heard breaking glass and observed a suspect running from the side of the residence towards the roadway, where he turned right and was last seen walking up Buffalo Avenue. Takoma Park Police were dispatched and a suspect matching the description given was stopped in the 7400 block of Piney Branch Road by members of the Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU), Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and patrol units. When asked for identification, the juvenile suspect gave a false name. The suspect was carrying a blue bag containing a computer that had been described in a list of missing property from a victim of a previous burglary. The suspect was visually identified by the witness as the person seen running from the property where the sound of glass was breaking.
A check of the residence in the 500 block of New York Avenue revealed that a window had been broken out of the side door that led to the laundry room and basement. No entry was gained into the residence.
Montgomery County K-9 responded and a track was conducted. The track led from the side of the residence in the 500 block of New York Avenue to the 7400 block of Piney Branch Road, where the K-9 alerted on the suspect on the scene. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Takoma Park Police Department. The suspect provided information that led to the identification of the other suspects involved in committing the series of residential burglaries that have been plaguing the City. A Montgomery County investigator responded to Takoma Park to work a collaborative investigation, since there have been 10 residential burglaries in their jurisdiction with similarities.
A follow up was conducted with a victim from the burglary on May 30, 2012, in the 7400 block of Cedar Avenue, who positively identified property that had been stolen. In addition, there were several items of jewelry taken during various burglaries that were recovered at a local pawn shop. Victims from the Takoma Park burglaries have identified property in five of the six burglaries.
As a result of property being recovered at the pawn shop, search warrants were obtained and additional arrest warrants for the juvenile’s two co-defendants’ were issued. Additional information will follow.
A computer check of the juvenile’s true name revealed that he was wanted by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office for being absent from a group home.
The juvenile is being held at the Noyes Juvenile Detention Facility.
Chief Ricucci is proud of the citizen who called the police when she observed suspicious behavior. He is proud of the Takoma Park police detectives and police officers who assisted with the apprehension of these suspects involved in committing these series of residential burglaries that have occurred in Takoma Park, Maryland, and Montgomery County, Maryland. He would like to thank police from the DC Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District, who worked diligently with preparing the DC search warrant, as well as the Montgomery County Police Department and Montgomery County's K-9 officer.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Crime Prevention and Personal Safety - Burglary Prevention Tips - Community Advisory
Burglary is an opportunist crime. A burglar will select his target because it offers him the best opportunity to carry out his crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in his way. A home that presents itself as insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured.
Home Security Surveys are offered by the Takoma Park Police Department to residents. An officer, who is trained in completing security surveys, will survey the strengths and weaknesses of security measures of a residence (fences, locks, alarms, etc.). The officer provides information on how to reinforce the weak security measures. If you are interested in setting this up for your home, please contact Officer Carla Magnaye by e-mail at carlam@takomagov.org or call 301.891.7121.Cathyp@takomagov.org to sign up for the seminar. If you leave a message on the phone, please leave your name, address, telephone number and email address.
In addition, a fourth Crime Prevention and Personal Safety seminar for the City of Takoma Park called Refuse to be a Victim, to be taught by Crime Prevention Specialist, Janice Hart, of the Front Royal, Virginia, Police Department, will be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This seminar is open to all residents and will be held in the Council auditorium on the 2nd floor of the City Building, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland. Chief Ricucci also invites and strongly encourages residents of Silver Spring to attend this seminar; Takoma Park residents please feel free to share this e-mail with your Montgomery County neighbors. Please call Cathy Plevy at 301.891.7142 or e-mail her at
Please review the following in order to protect your home and your valuables:
1. The MOST important thing YOU can do is CALL THE POLICE to report a CRIME or any SUSPICIOUS activity. You have to be the eyes of your neighborhood. And remember you can always remain a pair of anonymous eyes! Report burglaries immediately! Get to know your neighbors!
2. If you do encounter a burglar in your home, please attempt to secure yourself in a room where you have access to a phone and immediately contact police. Do not confront suspect(s) or attempt to fight and/or chase after suspect(s).
3. Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence. If you have not checked your house, let the police check it for you. Leave the house and call the police.
4. It’s important to keep a list of serial numbers and/or receipts of all electronic equipment, i.e., televisions, stereos, cell phones, iPods, computers, as well as a list of items that are easily sold or pawned, i.e., jewelry, collectibles. Photographs or video tapes are always useful to keep a record of what you own (and insurance companies would also find this useful and convenient). Update your list periodically and do not leave it in the residence, if possible. Use an engraving pen to write your current driver's license number on your property. Burglars don't want marked merchandise.
5. Make it time-consuming for a burglar to break into your home - secure your residence! Sometimes installing deadbolt locks on all exterior doors or windows will deter a criminal; they don’t want to spend too much time in one place. Check and double-check that all doors and windows are shut and locked before you leave the house; even if you are leaving for a short period of time.
6. Display "Beware" signs. If you have a dog or an alarm system, put up signs that say you do. They do deter thieves. Residential alarms should be designed so as to give protection when you are inside as well as when you are away.
7. When you leave your residence, do not leave valuables in plain sight. For instance, if your dining room table is within view of a window, don’t leave a laptop computer sitting there. When possible, pull shades or curtains so that property cannot be seen from outside the residence.
8. Be one step ahead of the burglar – case your own home and look for easy ways into your home and then take appropriate measures to correct it.
9. A big problem in this City is citizens not calling the police. If you see someone suspicious who does not belong in your neighborhood, call the police. If you see a suspicious vehicle, call the police. Write down the license plates of any suspicious vehicles. Write down a description of any suspicious persons. You can never be too careful. A lack of information on suspects can hinder an investigation.
10. Burglars in most instances will case a neighborhood or the routine of residents. Every once in a while, leave at a different time. Change your routine to throw the burglar off. If you are not consistent, how can they be?
11. Burglars know where to look for hidden keys. Do not leave one.
12. Remember that you do not have to answer your door. Once you do, you are easily vulnerable. Do not open for a stranger. Verify who is there. Have him/her step to where you can see who it is. When in doubt, send him/her away. Be sure that a peephole viewer is installed.
These tips are not intended to scare or frighten anyone, however, crime is a fact of life everywhere. As partners, we can discourage criminals from targeting certain areas. We can make it hard for them.
Let’s make a difference together. Let’s demonstrate to the criminals that we are putting them on notice that they will be caught!
Home Security Surveys are offered by the Takoma Park Police Department to residents. An officer, who is trained in completing security surveys, will survey the strengths and weaknesses of security measures of a residence (fences, locks, alarms, etc.). The officer provides information on how to reinforce the weak security measures. If you are interested in setting this up for your home, please contact Officer Carla Magnaye by e-mail at carlam@takomagov.org or call 301.891.7121.Cathyp@takomagov.org to sign up for the seminar. If you leave a message on the phone, please leave your name, address, telephone number and email address.
In addition, a fourth Crime Prevention and Personal Safety seminar for the City of Takoma Park called Refuse to be a Victim, to be taught by Crime Prevention Specialist, Janice Hart, of the Front Royal, Virginia, Police Department, will be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This seminar is open to all residents and will be held in the Council auditorium on the 2nd floor of the City Building, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland. Chief Ricucci also invites and strongly encourages residents of Silver Spring to attend this seminar; Takoma Park residents please feel free to share this e-mail with your Montgomery County neighbors. Please call Cathy Plevy at 301.891.7142 or e-mail her at
Please review the following in order to protect your home and your valuables:
1. The MOST important thing YOU can do is CALL THE POLICE to report a CRIME or any SUSPICIOUS activity. You have to be the eyes of your neighborhood. And remember you can always remain a pair of anonymous eyes! Report burglaries immediately! Get to know your neighbors!
2. If you do encounter a burglar in your home, please attempt to secure yourself in a room where you have access to a phone and immediately contact police. Do not confront suspect(s) or attempt to fight and/or chase after suspect(s).
3. Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence. If you have not checked your house, let the police check it for you. Leave the house and call the police.
4. It’s important to keep a list of serial numbers and/or receipts of all electronic equipment, i.e., televisions, stereos, cell phones, iPods, computers, as well as a list of items that are easily sold or pawned, i.e., jewelry, collectibles. Photographs or video tapes are always useful to keep a record of what you own (and insurance companies would also find this useful and convenient). Update your list periodically and do not leave it in the residence, if possible. Use an engraving pen to write your current driver's license number on your property. Burglars don't want marked merchandise.
5. Make it time-consuming for a burglar to break into your home - secure your residence! Sometimes installing deadbolt locks on all exterior doors or windows will deter a criminal; they don’t want to spend too much time in one place. Check and double-check that all doors and windows are shut and locked before you leave the house; even if you are leaving for a short period of time.
6. Display "Beware" signs. If you have a dog or an alarm system, put up signs that say you do. They do deter thieves. Residential alarms should be designed so as to give protection when you are inside as well as when you are away.
7. When you leave your residence, do not leave valuables in plain sight. For instance, if your dining room table is within view of a window, don’t leave a laptop computer sitting there. When possible, pull shades or curtains so that property cannot be seen from outside the residence.
8. Be one step ahead of the burglar – case your own home and look for easy ways into your home and then take appropriate measures to correct it.
9. A big problem in this City is citizens not calling the police. If you see someone suspicious who does not belong in your neighborhood, call the police. If you see a suspicious vehicle, call the police. Write down the license plates of any suspicious vehicles. Write down a description of any suspicious persons. You can never be too careful. A lack of information on suspects can hinder an investigation.
10. Burglars in most instances will case a neighborhood or the routine of residents. Every once in a while, leave at a different time. Change your routine to throw the burglar off. If you are not consistent, how can they be?
11. Burglars know where to look for hidden keys. Do not leave one.
12. Remember that you do not have to answer your door. Once you do, you are easily vulnerable. Do not open for a stranger. Verify who is there. Have him/her step to where you can see who it is. When in doubt, send him/her away. Be sure that a peephole viewer is installed.
These tips are not intended to scare or frighten anyone, however, crime is a fact of life everywhere. As partners, we can discourage criminals from targeting certain areas. We can make it hard for them.
Let’s make a difference together. Let’s demonstrate to the criminals that we are putting them on notice that they will be caught!
Arrest Made of Suspect for Attempted Residential Burglary - Community Advisory
On Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at approximately 10:03 a.m., Takoma Park Police made an arrest of a suspect for attempted residential burglary in the 500 block of New York Avenue. Investigation is on-going and more information will follow.
You can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous.
* Text to 847411
* Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message.
* Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that your tip is thoroughly investigated.
* Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your community while remaining 100% anonymous.
You can also now send a tip using the Takoma Park Police Department's Facebook page. In the left hand column you will find a link to "submit a tip." Your tip is important and CAN make a difference!
If you see a crime in progress and need to contact the Takoma Park Police, please call 301-270-1100. If you need to report an emergency that involves the need for fire or rescue services, you must call 9-1-1.
You can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous.
* Text to 847411
* Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message.
* Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that your tip is thoroughly investigated.
* Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your community while remaining 100% anonymous.
You can also now send a tip using the Takoma Park Police Department's Facebook page. In the left hand column you will find a link to "submit a tip." Your tip is important and CAN make a difference!
If you see a crime in progress and need to contact the Takoma Park Police, please call 301-270-1100. If you need to report an emergency that involves the need for fire or rescue services, you must call 9-1-1.
A Message from the Takoma Park Crossing Guards – Community Advisory
The Takoma Park Crossing Guards want to thank all of the residents/citizens for taking time to extend kind words, cards and gifts on May 29th for Takoma Park Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. It meant a lot to them. They also want to thank Piney Branch Elementary School, Takoma Park Elementary School, Takoma Park Middle School, and Lucy Neher, Safe Routes to School, for partnering and organizing the event. They extend their best wishes to everyone for a safe and happy summer.
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