Saturday, April 30, 2011

Police Investigate Homicide on Branch Avenue

Prince George’s County, Maryland… The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating a homicide that occurred in Temple Hills, Maryland.


On April 29, 2011 at approximately 3:27 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 3200 block of Branch Avenue for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, patrol officers found 39-year-old Therin Martin, of the 5000 block of Hunt Place, Washington D.C., lying on the ground suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to his body. He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased upon arrival.

Detectives are working to identify the suspect(s) and establish a motive in this case. This investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (301) 772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411 TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Prince George's County Officer Honored With Gold Medal of Valor

GREENBELT, Md. - Prince George's County Officer Edwin Flores is one of the members of law enforcement honored with a Valor Award for the outstanding work they have done in the county.
The story of why Flores was honored with the Gold Medal of Valor started on October 15 at around 4:30 p.m. He was off duty in his own car as he approached Russell Avenue in Gaithersburg.
"I was coming out of the gym when I observed several subjects that were walking through the parking lot," he said.
Officer Flores suspected the suspicious men were up to no good. So he parked around the corner and watched them.
"I kept observing them. I saw an individual take a handgun out and a mask, hand it over to a friend, who was in front of him. There were two additional subjects behind him. They all started walking towards a car,” said Flores.
He got out, identified himself as a police officer, and then ordered the suspects on the ground.
"Honestly, it's the first instinct, just to protect and serve the community and what I saw, I believed were citizens in harm’s way and I just had to react,” Flores said.
Two of the suspects followed Flores’ orders. A third raised his hands. But the fourth suspect ran behind a car before giving up.
Flores had contained all four suspects, but there was still one problem he had to deal with. He had left his cell phone in his car and had no way to call for backup. So Flores took one of the suspect’s cell phone. The phone happened to be password protected.
"The owner of the phone gave me the password after verbal commands and I was able to unlock the phone and dial 911,” said Flores.
The lone officer had foiled the plans of four armed suspects. By just doing his job, those four suspects ended up behind bars. Four guns were recovered and residents avoided what was about to be a dangerous situation.
"It's an honor and blessing and I know all the officers I work with would have done the same thing,” said Flores.
Article courtesy of Fox 5 News

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

PGPD to Partner with State Highway Administration for “Pedestrian Safety Campaign”

Prince George's County, Maryland … The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit is partnering with the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration to enhance the safety of pedestrians in the community. Through a coordinated education and enforcement effort, safety advocates will be on the street to raise citizen awareness about pedestrian safety with the goal of preventing crashes and saving lives.



Who:               Prince George’s County Police
                        Dana Gigliotti, State Highway Administration
                        Christina Sinz, State Highway Administration

When:            Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Time:              4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where:          Forest Village Park Mall
                      (Near the Apple Bee’s)
                      3393 Donnell Drive
                      Forestville, Maryland 20747


Members of the media are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Press Information Office at (301)-772-4710.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Fallen Hero Sergeant John J. Novabilski (04/26/95)

Sgt. John Novabilski
      Let us pause to remember our Fallen Hero, Sergeant John J. Novabilski, lost this day in 1995 in an unprovoked ambush in George Sector.

       Sgt. Novabilski was born on April 25, 1964 in Old Forge, Pennsylvania.  He joined the Prince George's County Police Department on August 1, 1988 after serving three years with the Baltimore City Police Department.  Upon completion of his Academy training, Sgt. Novabilski was assigned to the District III Station.  He subsequently served at the District II Station before being transferred to District VI.

       On the evening of April 26, 1995, Sgt. Novabilski was working a secondary employment assignment at Palmer's Restaurant at 7222 Martin Luther King, Jr. Hwy. in Kentland, Maryland.  He was sitting in his marked police vehicle when the suspect approached him from behind and, without warning, opened fire with a MAC-11 assault weapon.  Sgt. Novabilski was struck eleven times in the head and upper body.  He was rushed to Prince George's Hospital Center where he was pronounced deceased.

       Sgt. Novabilski served the Prince George's County Police Department for seven years and was the 21st member of this Agency to make the Ultimate Sacrifice.  He was the 32nd law enforcement officer to give his life while serving this Profession within Prince George's County, Maryland.

       At the time of his death, Sergeant John J. Novabilski was 31 years old and survived by his wife.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Identity of Suspects Sought in Armored Car Robbery in Clinton

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects wanted in connection with an armored car robbery in Clinton, Maryland.


On April 25, 2011 at approximately 1:55 p.m., two suspects approached the victim from behind as he was transporting money in the 7800 block of Old Branch Avenue. One of the suspects displayed an assault rifle, the other suspect brandished a silver handgun and demanded the money from the victim. The victim complied and the suspects took an undetermined amount of cash and fled the scene in a white van.

The first suspect is described as a black male approximately 30 years-old, approximately 6’ tall, thin build, black ski mask, blue jeans, white shoes, black gloves, armed with a assault rifle. The second suspect is described as a black male, approximately 30 years-old, 5’9” tall, thin build, black ski mask, gray hooded sweater, dark colored pants, black/white shoes, black gloves, armed with a silver handgun.



Anyone with information is urged to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit at 301-772-4905. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online.



PGPD to Conduct DUI Patrol Enforcements

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Operations Division will be conducting DUI patrol enforcements in the central portion of the County on Friday, April 29, 2011 from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.


“Our goal is to enforce state laws and save lives,” said Major Kevin Putnam, Commander of the Special Operations Division. “This effort is about saving lives and preventing the kinds of tragedies that we see all too often on our roadways, thus creating a safe environment for motorists and pedestrians,” Putnam said.

For more information, contact the Prince George's County Police Department’s Press Information Office at (301) 772-4710.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Fallen Hero Officer Ryan C. Johnson, Sr (04/22/92)

Officer Ryan C. Johnson Sr.
  Let us pause to remember our Fallen Hero, Officer Ryan C. Johnson, Sr., lost this day in 1992 as a result of gunshot wounds sustained six days earlier while trying to thwart an armed robbery attempt in Henry Sector.

       Ofc. Johnson was born on December 2, 1966 in Washington, D.C.  He was raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland and attended Bladensburg High School.  Upon graduating from high school, Ofc. Johnson served with honor and distinction in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1987.  Ofc. Johnson joined the Prince George’s County Police Department on June 18, 1990 and, upon completion of his Academy training, was assigned to District IV as a member of Squad 36.

       On April 16, 1992 at approximately 2240 hrs. Ofc. Johnson was exiting his personal vehicle in the 1000 Blk. Brooke Rd. Capitol Heights, Maryland when he was approached by three suspects.  One of the suspects produced a handgun and announced a robbery.  Ofc. Johnson drew his service weapon and exchanged gunfire with the suspects.  The suspects then fled the scene.  Ofc. Johnson sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his neck and torso and was rushed to Prince George’s Hospital Center.  He courageously battled his injuries for the next six days before succumbing at 1514 hrs. on the afternoon of April 22, 1992.

       Ofc. Johnson served the Prince George’s County Police Department for two years and was the 18th member of this Agency to make the Ultimate Sacrifice.  He was the 28th law enforcement officer to give his life while serving this Profession within Prince George’s County, Maryland.

       At the time of his death, Officer Ryan C. Johnson, Sr. was 25 years old and survived by his wife and two sons.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Wanted for First Degree Assault

Jerome David Hardy
Police Memorial Week Events
Tuesday, May 3, 2011

17th Annual Blue Mass
St. Patrick’s Cathedral 10th & G Sts. NW, Washington DC
1200

This is a Catholic mass honoring LEOs who have died in the line of duty.





Wednesday, May 4, 2011

PGPD Command Officers’ Association
Candlelight Memorial
County Administration Building
Council Hearing Room
1900

This event honors all officers who have died serving Prince George’s County and includes all jurisdictions. All are welcome. MSP Trooper Wesley Brown’s name will be added to the bronze wall plaque.


Friday, May 6, 2011

Maryland 26th Annual Fallen Heroes  Day
Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens
200 East Padonia Road, Timonium MD
1300


This Ceremony honors officers who have died in the line of duty in Maryland including Corporal Thomas P. Jensen.


Monday, May 9, 2011

23rd Annual Memorial Service
(MPDC, FOP #1 and DC-COPS Chapter)
In front of 300 Indiana Avenue, NW, Washington DC
1100

This Ceremony will honor six area officers including Corporal Thomas P. Jensen.



Thursday,  May 12, 2011

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89
Annual Fallen Heroes Memorial Ceremony
2905 Old Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD
1000

Continental breakfast will be served from 0830 to 0930 in the FOP 89 Banquet Room. All are welcome
Wreath laying ceremony at the individual officers' grave sites will follow.

Thursday,  May 12, 2011

Police Unity Tour Arrival Ceremony
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
E Street between 4th & 5th St, NW Washington D.C.
1500

This is a bicycle tour that honors officers across the nation.www.policeunitytour.com
Retiree W. Bruce Evartt is riding in honor of Corporal Thomas P. Jensen. Below is the link to his fundraising page.


Friday May 13, 2011
23rd Annual Candlelight Vigil

NLEOM 400 Blk. E St. Washington DC
2000
2100 (reading of new names)

Corporal Thomas P. Jensen’s name will be formally dedicated







Saturday, May 14, 2011
Law Enforcement Memorial Run
Dist I Courtyard
Approximately 1000

This event includes a run from Philadelphia PA to the NLEOM.  A team of PGPD members will participate in the full run. 

Anyone wishing to join them for the last leg of the race from to the NLEOM should be at the Holiday Inn (10000 Baltimore Ave, College Park) ready to run by 0830. The run will stop at District I for a brief (15-20 min) ceremony.  Corporal Thomas P. Jensen, MSP TFC Wesley Brown and Mont. Co. Sgt. Hector Ismael Ayala will be honored. To donate/support the team or purchase T-Shirts contact Lt. Rafterry jprafterry@co.pg.md.us or Sgt. Snyder at mlsnyder@co.pg.md.us.  
Saturday, May 14, 2011

9th Annual Fraternal Order of Police
Steve Young Honor Guard Competition

John Marshall Park
Between the Federal Court House & Canadian Embassy
0830



Saturday, May 14, 2011

17th Annual Emerald Society & Pipeband March and Service

NJ Ave & F St., NW, Washington DC
1800

Sunday, May 15, 2011
30th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
(Grand Lodge FOP and Auxiliary)
West Front of the United States Capitol
1100-1330
Wreath Laying to follow at the NLEOM
400 Blk. E St. NW Washington DC
This ceremony honors all LEOs who died in 2010 nationwide


Sunday, May 15, 2011

Concerns of Police Survivors - Maryland
Parent Survivors Dinner
HQ Multi-purpose room
1730





Stop by to support the Survivors  

Identity of Suspects Sought in Armored Car Robbery in Clinton

Armored Car Robbery



Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects wanted in connection with an armored car robbery in Clinton, Maryland.
On April 16, 2011, at approximately 8:55 am, two suspects approached the victim from behind as he was transporting money in the 8700 block of Branch Avenue; one displayed a handgun, and demanded the money from the victim.  The victim complied and the suspects took an undetermined amount of cash and fled the scene in a burgundy, four door Mazda.
The first suspect is described as a black male between 20 and 30 years-old, approximately 5’8” – 5’10” tall, medium build, dark gray hoodie, dark colored baseball cap, black pants with a white stripe, and was armed with a silver handgun.  The second suspect is described as a black male, approximately 20 years-old, 5’6” tall, medium build, black hat, black jacket and black pants
Anyone with information is urged to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit at 301-772-4905. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online.  Surveillance camera photos of the suspects are attached.

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