Tag:

Gaithersburg, MD

Tree Slams Through Gaithersburg Teen’s Room — Now He’s Raising Funds For His Family (PHOTOS) Tree Slams Through Gaithersburg Teen’s Room — Now He’s Raising Funds For His Family (PHOTOS)
Tree Slams Through Gaithersburg Teen’s Room — Now He’s Raising Funds For His Family (Photos) A Maryland teenager is stepping up in a major way after a massive pine tree came crashing through his family’s home, leaving him, his mom, and his little sister without a place to live. Ronnie Rodgers, a 17-year-old high school junior, launched a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of his mother, Keyisha Bloomfield, after a 70-foot tree fell through their Gaithersburg home on Friday, June 6.  The powerful crash tore through the ceiling and left insulation, wood, and splinters scattered across their bedrooms — just inches from where the teen sleeps. The aftermath of the incident in Gait…
DNA From DC Arrest Links Man To 2024 Montgomery County Murder, Police Say DNA From DC Arrest Links Man To 2024 Montgomery County Murder, Police Say
DNA From DC Arrest Links Man To 2024 Montgomery County Murder, Police Say A man arrested on an oustanding warrant in Washington, DC is now charged with murder in Maryland — after his DNA linked him to a deadly stabbing in Gaithersburg, police said. Bulfrano Martinez-Maldonado, 38, is accused of killing 49-year-old Mynor Rene Lara Salguero, who was found dead with multiple stab wounds in the 8000 block of Blair Mill Road on Dec. 16, 2024, according to the Montgomery County Department of Police. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Lara Salguero’s death a homicide. Police say Martinez-Maldonado was with the victim shortly before the killing.  He wa…
Popular Gaithersburg Pizzeria Serving Final Slice — But You Can Still Get Their Pies Popular Gaithersburg Pizzeria Serving Final Slice — But You Can Still Get Their Pies
Popular Gaithersburg Pizzeria Serving Final Slice — But You Can Still Get Their Pies A popular Maryland pizza joint is pulling its last pie from the oven — but fear not, customers will still be able to find them in the freezer aisle and at your favorite farmers market. Pizza Rosa, a busy Gaithersburg slice spot, announced it will be closing its brick-and-mortar shop after service on Saturday, June 28 — but the ovens aren’t going cold forever. “Well folks, after some incredible years serving our amazing community, we will be closing our pizza shop after service on June 28th,” the team said in a social media post shared with the community.  “This wasn’t an easy decision…
Maryland Teen Suspected Of DUI In Crash That Killed 88-Year-Old Woman: Police Maryland Teen Suspected Of DUI In Crash That Killed 88-Year-Old Woman: Police
Maryland Teen Suspected Of DUI In Crash That Killed 88-Year-Old Woman: Police An 88-year-old woman died after an unlicensed Maryland teen suspected of driving drunk slammed into the back of her car at a red light, authorities said. A teenager allegedly drove drunk without a license is under investigation following a crash in Gaithersburg that killed an elderly Rockville woman, according to Montgomery County Police. Officers responded at around 8:35 a.m. Saturday, May 31, to the intersection of Sam Eig Highway and Fields Road, where a blue 2018 Jeep Compass had slammed into the rear of a blue 2017 Toyota Corolla that was stopped at a red light, police said Thursday, J…
Vet, Former Police Officer Killed In Fiery I-70 Frederick Crash Was ‘A Light To Everybody’ Vet, Former Police Officer Killed In Fiery I-70 Frederick Crash Was ‘A Light To Everybody’
Vet, Former Police Officer Killed In Fiery I-70 Frederick Crash Was ‘A Light To Everybody’ Rony Cabrera survived the Army and a stint in law enforcement — but lost his life on a Maryland highway behind the wheel of a box truck. Cabrera, 22, a decorated veteran and former police officer in Maryland, was one of two killed in a violent three-vehicle crash that shut down I-70 in Frederick County over the weekend. According to his family, Cabrera was behind the wheel of a box truck when a BMW SUV slammed into the back of it near Exit 62 in New Market around 4:10 p.m. on Sunday.  Maryland State Police said the impact forced Cabrera’s truck across the grassy median and into the pa…
‘Should I Smoke Em?’ Gaithersburg Man’s Viral Gun Threat To Cop Blows Up In His Face ‘Should I Smoke Em?’ Gaithersburg Man’s Viral Gun Threat To Cop Blows Up In His Face
‘Should I Smoke Em?’ Gaithersburg Man’s Viral Gun Threat To Cop Blows Up In His Face A Montgomery County man who pointed a loaded gun at a police officer while recording himself on Instagram—captioning the video “Should I smoke em”—has learned his punishment, prosecutors announced. William Alvarenga, 21, of Gaithersburg, will serve five years in prison as part of a 33-year sentence, with all but five years suspended.  He will also be placed on five years of supervised probation when he gets out, according to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office on Friday, May 16. It all started on Nov. 4, 2024, when detectives were tipped off about a disturbing video circul…
Off-Duty Arlington Firefighter Living In Maryland Saves Neighbors From Raging Blaze Off-Duty Arlington Firefighter Living In Maryland Saves Neighbors From Raging Blaze
Off-Duty Arlington Firefighter Living In Maryland Saves Neighbors From Raging Blaze Talk about being in the right place at the right time. An off-duty Virginia firefighter living next door is being credited with helping save lives when a fast-moving fire tore through a row of townhomes in Maryland early Friday, May 16, officials announced. Firefighters rushed to the 11900 block of Roan Lane in Gaithersburg around 5:30 a.m. after getting multiple 911 calls reporting a fire burning behind a three-story townhouse. Twitter/@DavidPazos15 One of those calls came from a neighbor who just happened to be an Arlington County firefighter, according to Montgomery County Fire a…
Overnight Townhouse Fire In Gaithersburg Displaces 13 People, Pets, Officials Say Overnight Townhouse Fire In Gaithersburg Displaces 13 People, Pets, Officials Say
Overnight Townhouse Fire In Gaithersburg Displaces 13 People, Pets, Officials Say A fast-moving fire tore through a row of townhomes in Montgomery County early Friday, May 16, displacing 13 people and several pets in Gaithersburg, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue. Firefighters rushed to the 11900 block of Roan Lane just after 5:30 a.m. following multiple reports of a fire burning behind a three-story townhouse, officials said. Crews arrived to find flames spreading to two neighboring homes, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue PIO David Pazos said. Firefighters worked quickly to knock down the fire, and all occupants were able to escape safely. No injuries we…
Convicted MS-13 Gang Member Slipped Through Cracks Four Times Before Arrest In Maryland: ICE Convicted MS-13 Gang Member Slipped Through Cracks Four Times Before Arrest In Maryland: ICE
Convicted MS-13 Gang Member Slipped Through Cracks Four Times Before Arrest In Maryland: ICE A convicted MS-13 gang member who kept slipping through the cracks in Maryland is finally in ICE custody—again. Nelson Vladimir Amaya-Benitez, a 26-year-old Salvadoran national who had already been deported once, was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Gaithersburg, the agency announced. Amaya-Benitez, a “validated MS-13 gang member,” has a long criminal record that includes convictions for armed robbery, vehicle theft, drug possession, and more, ICE officials said. He had already been removed from the US in 2019 but illegally reentered the country at an unkn…
Maryland Man Learns Fate In Deadly Maryland Drive-By Shooting That Killed Teen Maryland Man Learns Fate In Deadly Maryland Drive-By Shooting That Killed Teen
Maryland Man Learns Fate In Deadly Maryland Drive-By Shooting That Killed Teen A Maryland man will spend at least the next three decades behind bars for his role in a deadly drive-by shooting that killed a teenager in Montgomery County, prosecutors announced. Kyler Mcroy, 22, of Gaithersburg, was sentenced to life in prison, with all but 30 years suspended, in connection to the 2022 shooting death of 19-year-old Keon Jones in Gaithersburg, according to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office. The sentence, handed down on Friday, May 9, also includes five years of supervised probation after Mcroy’s release. The judge recommended placement in the Patuxent Youth…
Loaded Gun Found On Student At Gaithersburg High School, Police Say Loaded Gun Found On Student At Gaithersburg High School, Police Say
Loaded Gun Found On Student At Gaithersburg High School, Police Say A teenager was busted with a loaded handgun on a Maryland high school campus Thursday afternoon, officials said. Police in Gaithersburg arrested a 15-year-old student after they say he brought a loaded, privately manufactured firearm — also known as a ghost gun — onto school grounds. The incident happened around 1:11 p.m. on May 8 at Gaithersburg High School, located on Education Boulevard, according to the Gaithersburg Police Department. Officers were called to the school after administrators raised concerns, officials said.  During their investigation, a Community Engagement Office…
Noodles & Company Planning To Close About 20 Restaurants Noodles & Company Planning To Close About 20 Restaurants
Noodles & Company Planning To Close About 20 Restaurants A popular restaurant chain specializing in noodle-based dishes could close more than 20 locations. Noodles & Company plans to shut down as many as 21 restaurants in 2025, the fast-casual chain said in its first-quarter financial report on Wednesday, May 7. There are 13 to 17 company-owned restaurants expected to be shuttered, along with four franchised locations. The chain hasn't said which locations could close. The closings come as Noodles & Company reported a 4.4% increase in sales during the first three months of 2025. The chain rolled out a new menu in March, fe…
Gaithersburg Man Shoots Victim Multiple Times After Parking Lot Brawl, Police Say Gaithersburg Man Shoots Victim Multiple Times After Parking Lot Brawl, Police Say
Gaithersburg Man Shoots Victim Multiple Times After Parking Lot Brawl, Police Say A Gaithersburg man is behind bars after allegedly shooting another man multiple times during a violent parking lot brawl in Maryland, police said. Davion Gray, 23, is accused of shooting a man in the upper and lower body after a group attack on Rockville Pike, according to the Montgomery County Department of Police. The shooting happened around 9:54 p.m. on Monday, April 21, in the 11500 block of Rockville Pike. Investigators said a group of people got into an argument with a man in a parking lot. That argument escalated into a physical assault — and then a shooting. “Gray then shot the v…
‘Garri Master’ From Gaithersburg Indicted For Directing Mutilation Campaign In Cameroon: ICE ‘Garri Master’ From Gaithersburg Indicted For Directing Mutilation Campaign In Cameroon: ICE
‘Garri Master’ From Gaithersburg Indicted For Directing Mutilation Campaign In Cameroon: ICE A Maryland man known as the “Garri Master” is accused of ordering mutilations, murders, and kidnappings in Cameroon while living comfortably in Gaithersburg, federal investigators announced.  Eric Tano Tataw has been federally indicted for allegedly financing and directing a violent separatist campaign in Cameroon from his home in Montgomery County. Tataw, 38, is accused of raising more than $110,000 to arm a brutal militia group called the Amba Boys, and calling for attacks on civilians — including orders to cut off fingers, limbs, and kill those viewed as cooperating with the go…
Gaithersburg Bus Driver Dies On Duty, Saves Passengers In Final Moments — Leaves Behind 10 Kids Gaithersburg Bus Driver Dies On Duty, Saves Passengers In Final Moments — Leaves Behind 10 Kids
Gaithersburg Bus Driver Dies On Duty, Saves Passengers In Final Moments — Leaves Behind 10 Kids A beloved Maryland bus driver is being remembered as a hero after suffering a fatal heart attack behind the wheel — and still managing to keep his passengers safe. A Montgomery County Ride On bus operator died while on duty after suffering a heart attack while driving along his southbound Route 55 route, officials confirmed. The driver, Ruiz Bell, 63, of Gaithersburg, was able to safely stop the bus despite the medical emergency, likely preventing further tragedy, according to County Executive Marc Elrich. “Even in that moment, he was thinking about the people around him — bringing the bus…
Stabbed, Lied, Delayed: Gaithersburg Woman Learns Fate After Murdering Boyfriend Stabbed, Lied, Delayed: Gaithersburg Woman Learns Fate After Murdering Boyfriend
Stabbed, Lied, Delayed: Gaithersburg Woman Learns Fate After Murdering Boyfriend A Maryland woman who stabbed her boyfriend in the chest, then drove him around for hours while telling a string of lies, is heading to prison. Jennifer Abigail Espinoza-Orellana, 23, of Gaithersburg, was sentenced to 40 years in prison, with all but 18 years suspended after being convicted of second-degree murder in the 2023 death of 20-year-old Jose Manuel Zavala Marquez, Montgomery County prosecutors announced on Wednesday, April 30. The killing unfolded in the early morning hours of Sept. 10, 2023, outside the couple’s home in the 8000 block of Shady Spring Drive, officials said. Espino…
‘Master Of Mutilation’ In Maryland Accused Of Funding Brutal Attacks In Cameroon: DOJ ‘Master Of Mutilation’ In Maryland Accused Of Funding Brutal Attacks In Cameroon: DOJ
‘Master Of Mutilation’ In Maryland Accused Of Funding Brutal Attacks In Cameroon: DOJ A Maryland man known as the "Garri Master" — or Master of Mutilation — is facing federal charges for allegedly masterminding a brutal conspiracy to fund violent attacks, kidnappings, and mutilations in Cameroon, federal prosecutors announced. Eric Tano Tataw, 38, of Gaithersburg, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Maryland after what authorities described as a vicious, years-long plot to support violent separatist fighters known as the Amba Boys. According to the indictment, Tataw — a Cameroonian national living in Maryland — called for attacks on Cameroonian civilians, municipal offic…
Columbia Man Charged With 2020 Murder Of Pregnant Woman, Newborn After Cold Case Break: Police Columbia Man Charged With 2020 Murder Of Pregnant Woman, Newborn After Cold Case Break: Police
Columbia Man Charged With 2020 Murder Of Pregnant Woman, Newborn After Cold Case Break: Police A suspect has been charged with murder in the 2020 killing of a pregnant woman and her baby in Columbia, Howard County Police announced Thursday. Edward Robinson, 31, of Columbia, was arrested Wednesday, April 9 in Gaithersburg in connection to the murder of 30-year-old Rabiah Ahmad, which forced the delivery of her baby, who died days later.  The case began on July 31, 2020, around 11 p.m., when officers responded to the 6600 block of Dovecote Drive after several shots were fired into a residence from outside. Inside the house was 30-year-old Rabiah Ahmad, who was 28 weeks pregnant a…
Clinton Man Killed, Woman Critical After Mustang Crashes In Montgomery County: Police Clinton Man Killed, Woman Critical After Mustang Crashes In Montgomery County: Police
Clinton Man Killed, Woman Critical After Mustang Crashes In Montgomery County: Police A 25-year-old man from Clinton was killed and a woman critically injured when a Ford Mustang slammed into a tree in Montgomery County over the weekend, police said. Officers responded to the 300 block of Travis Avenue in Gaithersburg just after midnight on Sunday, April 6, where they found the wreckage of a black 2023 Ford Mustang, Montgomery County Police said. The car had been heading east when it struck the median, jumped into the westbound lanes, and crashed into a large tree before bouncing back into the eastbound side, investigators said. The driver, identified as William Giovanis Va…
Passenger Killed In Loudoun County Pickup Truck Crash With Stopped Tractor-Trailer: VSP Passenger Killed In Loudoun County Pickup Truck Crash With Stopped Tractor-Trailer: VSP
Passenger Killed In Loudoun County Pickup Truck Crash With Stopped Tractor-Trailer: VSP A passenger was killed and another seriously injured when a pickup slammed into the back of a tractor trailer along a Loudoun County highway ramp, Virginia State Police said. The fatal crash happened just before 7:50 a.m. Thursday, March 27, on the off-ramp from Route 267 eastbound (Dulles Greenway) to Route 28 southbound. According to state police, a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado was exiting Route 267 when it veered off the right side of the ramp and rear-ended a 2017 Volvo 718 tractor trailer that was stopped on the shoulder. Julio A. Portillo Pena, 41, of Gaithersburg, was a passenger in the…
Brush Fire Spreads Near Gaithersburg Roadway, Crews Battle Flames In Maryland (DEVELOPING) Brush Fire Spreads Near Gaithersburg Roadway, Crews Battle Flames In Maryland (DEVELOPING)
Brush Fire Spreads Near Gaithersburg Roadway, Crews Battle Flames In Maryland (Developing) Firefighters swarmed a wooded area in Gaithersburg on Wednesday afternoon after a brush fire flared up near a busy intersection and began spreading rapidly through dense vegetation. According to Montgomery County Fire & Rescue spokesperson David Pazos, the first call came in around 3:55 p.m. on March 26, sending multiple units to the scene near Brink Road and Wightman Road. Crews arrived to find flames burning about 200 feet off the roadway, where thick brush and trees were fueling the spread, which was also aided by windy conditions.  Twitter/@DavidPazos15 Pazos said the fire e…
'Beautiful, Young, Amazing Soul' Killed In Gaithersburg Crash Was 'Full Of Life' 'Beautiful, Young, Amazing Soul' Killed In Gaithersburg Crash Was 'Full Of Life'
'Beautiful, Young, Amazing Soul' Killed In Gaithersburg Crash Was 'Full Of Life' A Maryland community is coming together to honor the life of 21-year-old Steven Alejandro Bruno Gonzalez, who was killed in a tragic car crash in Gaithersburg last week—forcing friends and family to launch a fundraiser to help his loved ones with funeral expenses. Gonzalez, of Gaithersburg, died on Tuesday, March 11, after losing control of his Toyota Camry on Perry Parkway and crashing into a tree, according to Montgomery County Police. Since the crash, an outpouring of love and support has flooded social media as those who knew him mourn an unexpected and heartbreaking loss. Loved ones s…
Driver Killed Crashing Into Gaithersburg Tree Identified By Police In Maryland Driver Killed Crashing Into Gaithersburg Tree Identified By Police In Maryland
Driver Killed Crashing Into Gaithersburg Tree Identified By Police In Maryland A 21-year-old driver was killed after losing control of his Camry and crashing into a tree in Gaithersburg, police said. Officers responded around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11 to the 200 block of Perry Parkway, where they found the driver, Steven Alejandro Bruno Gonzalez, dead at the scene, according to Montgomery County Police. Investigators said Gonzalez was driving southbound on Perry Parkway near West Diamond Avenue when, for reasons still under investigation, he lost control of the car after coming out of a curve and crashed. Gaithersburg Police, Montgomery County Police 6th District o…
$50K Lottery Jackpot Marks Third Big Win For Burtonsville Man $50K Lottery Jackpot Marks Third Big Win For Burtonsville Man
$50K Lottery Jackpot Marks Third Big Win For Burtonsville Man Lightning doesn’t just strike twice—it strikes three times for one lucky Maryland lottery player who just bagged his third big win. A longtime player from Burtonsville, known only by his nickname “Bag of the Money,” scored a $50,000 prize on the Money Bags scratch-off, marking his third major payout, Maryland Lottery officials announced. The Montgomery County man, who previously won $10,000 and another $50,000 prize in the past, recently claimed his latest windfall. Unlike his earlier winnings, which he invested in the stock market, this time, he has a more practical plan for the cash. “T…
Months-Long Search For Deadly Montgomery County Shooters Lands Two Behind Bars: Police Months-Long Search For Deadly Montgomery County Shooters Lands Two Behind Bars: Police
Months-Long Search For Deadly Montgomery County Shooters Lands Two Behind Bars: Police A months-long investigation into a deadly Montgomery County shooting has led to murder charges against two men, authorities announced. Two men have been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Antoine Lavale Parker last fall, according to detectives.  The suspects have been identified as 65-year-old Erick Darryl West, of Gaithersburg, and 45-year-old Daryl James Howard, who was previously arrested on unrelated charges in Carroll County. Parker was found suffering from gunshot wounds inside his apartment in the 400 block of Christopher Avenue in Gaithersburg around 11…
Man Pulled From Burning Gaithersburg Home Dies Weeks Later, Fire Officials Say Man Pulled From Burning Gaithersburg Home Dies Weeks Later, Fire Officials Say
Man Pulled From Burning Gaithersburg Home Dies Weeks Later, Fire Officials Say Officials have confirmed that a Gaithersburg man rescued from a house fire last month has died after two weeks in the hospital. Fire crews arrived to find flames tearing through a single-story home in the unit block of Oak Avenue around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16, according to Montgomery County Fire & Rescue officials. The Gaithersburg fire. Twitter/@mcfrsPIO Firefighters searched the home and found a man inside, officials said. They pulled him from the home and rushed him to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. After two weeks in the hospital, the victim died, offici…
Gaithersburg Is The Most Diverse City In US, New Study Says: Here's Why Gaithersburg Is The Most Diverse City In US, New Study Says: Here's Why
Gaithersburg Is The Most Diverse City In US, New Study Says: Here's Why The US population is rapidly diversifying, with cities in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic at the forefront, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 ranking of the nation's Most Diverse Cities on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Three Maryland communities topped the list of 501 locations, which were evaluated based on socioeconomic, cultural, economic, household, and religious diversity. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 10.2 percent of Americans identified as multiracial in 2020, a sharp increase from just 2.9 percent in 2010. "The most diverse cities demonstrate diversity in many …
Bloody Argument In Gaithersburg Restaurant Ends With Face Slashing: Police Bloody Argument In Gaithersburg Restaurant Ends With Face Slashing: Police
Bloody Argument In Gaithersburg Restaurant Ends With Face Slashing: Police A violent altercation at a Gaithersburg restaurant led to a stabbing, sending one man to the hospital and another to jail months later, police said. Jovani Ramos, 31, of Gaithersburg, was arrested and charged after allegedly attacking another man at Cancun Mexican Restaurant. Specifically, Ramos was charged this week with:  Attempted second-degree murder; First-degree assault; Second-degree assault; Intoxicated endangerment. The incident happened around 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 26, 2024, when officers responded to the 100 block of East Diamond Avenue for a reported stabbing. Investiga…
Fake Cop Forces Way Into Gaithersburg Home, Demands Money At Gunpoint: Police Fake Cop Forces Way Into Gaithersburg Home, Demands Money At Gunpoint: Police
Fake Cop Forces Way Into Gaithersburg Home, Demands Money At Gunpoint: Police A bold home invasion in Montgomery County took a turn when an armed suspect posing as a police officer forced his way into a Gaithersburg residence and demanded money, authorities said. Montgomery County Police say the break-in happened at approximately 12:50 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, when a man knocked on the door of a home in the 200 block of Hannes Street. When the homeowner answered, the suspect flashed a badge from inside his jacket and falsely identified himself as a police officer before stepping inside, officials said. Once inside, the suspect pulled out a black handgun and deman…
NY Dad Had 4-Year-Old Daughter In Tow During Trail Of Terror In Montgomery County, VA: Police NY Dad Had 4-Year-Old Daughter In Tow During Trail Of Terror In Montgomery County, VA: Police
NY Dad Had 4-Year-Old Daughter In Tow During Trail Of Terror In Montgomery County, VA: Police A New York man led police on a dangerous crime spree through Maryland and Virginia with his missing 4-year-old daughter in tow, authorities say. Esmeraldo Martinez De La Cruz, 32, is facing attempted murder, home invasion, and child neglect charges after a chaotic string of crimes that began in Montgomery County and ended in Virginia with his arrest. The crime spree began this week at around 4:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, when Montgomery County Police responded to a hit-and-run crash at Route 355 and Watkins Mill Road in Gaithersburg. Witnesses saw Martinez and his 4-year-old daughter, Luna…
Teen Arrested After High-Speed I-495 Pursuit, Crash Following Gaithersburg Burglary: Police Teen Arrested After High-Speed I-495 Pursuit, Crash Following Gaithersburg Burglary: Police
Teen Arrested After High-Speed I-495 Pursuit, Crash Following Gaithersburg Burglary: Police An 18-year-old burglary suspect is in custody after leading Montgomery County police on a high-speed chase through Gaithersburg before crashing into a parked car, authorities say. Officers responded to a report of a commercial burglary on the 8000 block of Cessna Ave. around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, where they spotted a black Cadillac CT5 leaving the scene.  When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver - later identified as 18-year-old Michael Evan Cutler - took off, prompting a pursuit that continued down I-27 and onto I-495. The chase ended when the Cadillac …