News that affects your neighborhood in upper Montgomery County. * Gaithersburg * Crown * Rio * Montgomery Village * Goshen * Germantown * Clarksburg * Damascus * Boyds * Poolesville * Hyattstown * Laytonsville * Dickerson
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Assault at grocery store in Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at a grocery store Monday afternoon, October 19, 2026. The assault was reported at a supermarket in the 800 block of Muddy Branch Road at 5:12 PM. That appears to be the Giant store at Muddy Branch Square. At least one individual was also accused of shoplifting and property damage in the same incident.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Assault at restaurant in Montgomery Village
Montgomery County police were called to a restaurant in Montgomery Village yesterday afternoon, after someone was allegedly assaulted there. The assault was reported at a restaurant in the 18300 block of Contour Road at 5:39 PM Monday. That is at the Montgomery Village Plaza shopping center.
Monday, October 19, 2026
Assault at hotel in Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg City police were called to a hotel yesterday morning, after someone reported having been assaulted there. The assault took place at the Motel 6 at 497 Quince Orchard Road at 3:30 AM. It was reported to police at 7:44 AM.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Pickpocket strikes at hotel in Germantown
Montgomery County police were called to a hotel in Germantown early Sunday morning, October 11, 2026, after a pickpocket incident was reported there. Officers were called to the Extended Stay America Suites at 20141 Century Boulevard at 1:32 AM. Watch your wallet: remember to carry your wallet in a front pocket when possible, and never leave it unattended at any time.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Farm for sale in Damascus
A 67-acre farm has hit the market for sale in Damascus. 25804 Bowman Acres Lane backs up to a forest buffer of Great Seneca Stream Valley Park. Offered "as is, where is, with all faults," the property is currently improved with a modern primary home built in 2005, but which needs work. There are also the original farmhouse, which needs restoration, and a split-level ranch home constructed in 1994. A pond and several outbuildings complete the portfolio.
The owner has stipulated that only pre-qualified buyers will be permitted to tour the property, so this is a serious-buyers-only situation. Located in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve, the property can be subdivided into 11 lots, 8 of which already have approved percs from the County. That means that the owner has already gone through the rigorous and expensive process of testing the soil to determine that at least 8 homes could be built without contaminating the groundwater, and that the soil already has adequate drainage to support that development. The asking price for the farm is $4,000,000, according to the online sale listing.
Friday, October 9, 2026
Saints Row Brewery reopens in Gaithersburg
Saints Row Brewery is now open at 15 Fulks Corner Avenue in Gaithersburg. The brewery temporarily closed for renovations. It is also under new ownership, which decided to make the upgrades to the establishment. They've also got new merch for sale.
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Sweat Houz to open Kentlands location
Sweat Houz is coming soon to Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg. It will be located at 107 Market Street. Sweat Houz is a contrast therapy studio offering treatments like an infrared sauna, cold plunge, and something they call a "Vitamin C Shower." If you can't wait to find out what that is, Sweat Houz has an existing location at Pike & Rose in Rockville.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Strong-arm rape inside "abandoned/condemned structure" reported in Gaithersburg
Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm rape in Gaithersburg Monday evening, September 28, 2026. The sexual assault was reported in the 900 block of Russell Avenue at 7:50 PM. According to police records, the reported incident took place in an "abandoned/condemned structure." No further information is available at this time.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
WSSC asks Maryland customers to limit water use due to power outage at filtration plant
Water utility WSSC has issued an Essential Water Use Only request to its customers in Montgomery County and Prince George's County, Maryland. A power outage at the utility's Potomac filtration plant has led to concerns that the supply of processed water could run out before Pepco can restore power. However, WSSC says water is currently safe to use and drink at this time, and that no Boil Water Advisory has been issued yet. Customers are asked to limit shower time and toilet flushes, and to postpone outdoor uses and running of clothes washers and dishwashers until the emergency is over.
Monday, September 28, 2026
Back Nine indoor golf simulator opening in Germantown
What is it about golf and Germantown? You would think golf companies would be after the country club champions of Bethesda and Chevy Chase. But Topgolf chose Germantown as its first Montgomery County location. Now the Germantown golf action is moving indoors, with Back Nine. The indoor golf simulator chain has leased a space at 13052 Middlebrook Road, at the Germantown Commons shopping center. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall.
Friday, September 25, 2026
Starbucks closing six stores in Maryland
Starbucks announced a new round of downsizing nationwide, and the closure list includes six stores in Maryland. Montgomery County stores at Pike & Rose in Rockville, and 12255 Prosperity Drive in the White Oak area of Silver Spring are among those getting the axe. That's particularly devastating for residents of the buildings at Pike & Rose, as having an on-site Starbucks was among the amenities of living there. Also shuttering will be Starbucks stores in Chester, Easton, Frederick, and Pocomoke City.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
UK quantum computing firm chooses Virginia over Maryland for U.S. HQ
It's Groundhog Day once again for economic development in the Washington, D.C. region, as yet another firm has chosen Virginia over Maryland, and Arlington County over Montgomery County for its corporate headquarters. This time it's British quantum computing firm Phasecraft. The company announced that Virginia is the winner in the sweepstakes for its new U.S. headquarters. Phasecraft will open the HQ at a not-yet-announced address in Ballston.
The announcement has to particularly sting Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who has repeatedly claimed that he wants to make his state a leader in quantum computing. It certainly didn't help Maryland's bid that Moore declared four days prior to the company's decision that he would sign a total ban on data centers, if the legislature sent one to his desk. This forehead-smacking faux pas is reminiscent of the Montgomery County Council announcing it was canceling the biggest infrastructure project in the White Flint sector plan on the very day that Amazon's HQ2 search team was touring the County's suggested site in White Flint. Whoops!
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Chick-Fil-A opening in Clarksburg Thursday
Chick-Fil-A will hold a grand opening of its new location in Clarksburg tomorrow, Thursday, September 24, 2026. The restaurant is located at 22675 Clarksburg Road, at the Clarksburg Premium Outlets mall off I-270. It will open at 6:00 AM Thursday. Anyone who visits the restaurant on opening day dressed in cow spots can redeem one free entrée (some restrictions apply) or kid’s meal inside the restaurant or in the drive-thru.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
The curious case of the Jawando debate dodge
Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D - At-Large) will not debate his Republican opponent Esther Wells in the County Executive race, Jawando's campaign abruptly announced yesterday. The statement to the press was curious not only for the weakness of its arguments, but because the local press had not been press-ing the question in the first place. I could find no news articles focused on Jawando dodging a debate with Wells prior to the Monday announcement by his campaign. It appears to be a preemptive strike to lay the groundwork for a pandemic-style "basement campaign," in which Jawando will largely take a knee until Election Day with sporadic, low-pressure public appearances in uber-friendly venues.
Monday, September 21, 2026
Westfield implementing stiff juvenile curfew at Montgomery County malls
Those who claim crime is not a problem at the few remaining malls in Montgomery County were dealt a blow of reality today, as Westfield announced it will implement a restrictive 3:00 PM curfew for unaccompanied minors at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda and Wheaton Plaza starting September 28. Once in effect, the new policy will require any mall patron under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult after 3:00 PM, seven days a week. Those not in compliance will be escorted from the premises by security or Montgomery County police. Supervising adults may be asked for identification with a valid I.D.
Friday, September 18, 2026
Montgomery County police chief resigns amid travel, leave questions
Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada submitted his resignation to County Executive Marc Elrich today. Announcements regarding the resignation from Elrich and the police department did not initially provide a reason for Yamada's resignation after decades of service to the department. However, it soon came to light that a report from the County Inspector General was being released, following an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General into Yamada's actions regarding travel expenditures, and his alleged failure to request official leave at times that department rules required him to do so.
The OIG investigation also examined whistleblower allegations that Yamada consumed alcohol at a golf event during working hours, and furnished a County government vehicle for use by an unidentified employee of the Office of the County Attorney. Such use of a County vehicle must be authorized by the County's Chief Administrative Officer, and the OIG found that Yamada neither sought nor received such authorization. Investigators determined that Yamada was not armed or in uniform when he consumed two alcoholic beverages at a golf tournament, but that he had not taken official leave to attend the tournament, and was therefore still on-the-clock.
Yamada told investigators that he believed the overtime hours he puts in on a weekly basis covered absences during regular work hours. The OIG report notes that by not receiving authorized leave for those absences, Yamada retained those leave hours on his record, which would apply to credits for his pension upon retirement.
While news headlines referred to "Las Vegas travel" earlier today, it turned out to be less sensational than the Hangover IV visions such news reports were promising. It turns out that Yamada took an unidentified family member who also works at the police department on an official trip to an out-of-state conference. The OIG report states that Yamada initially told investigators that he did not select the employee, but investigators later found that he had. Lying to OIG investigators is a violation of County Code Section 2-151(m)(2).
The report concludes by noting that its findings will be submitted to the County Ethics Commission, and suggests the County may have legal grounds to recover an unspecified sum from Yamada on behalf of taxpayers. You can read the OIG's complete report here.
Gaithersburg man arrested in Montgomery County homicide
Montgomery County police have captured the man they say fatally shot a Gaithersburg man at Potomac Woods Plaza at 1087 Seven Locks Road early Sunday morning. County police officers assigned to the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force caught up with Shayan Solimani Damabi, 21, of Gaithersburg at an unidentified motel in that city. Police say he was taken into custody without incident.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Gaithersburg man is suspect in Montgomery County homicide
Montgomery County police have identified a suspect in Sunday morning's fatal shooting at the Potomac Woods Plaza shopping center. Shayan Solimani Damabi, 21, of Gaithersburg is the man who killed 33-year-old Nicholas Njuki of Gaithersburg, homicide detectives allege. They believe he may still be driving a red 2018 four-door Acura TLX with Maryland license plate 3GD6732.
Pedestrian struck in Gaithersburg
Montgomery County first responders were dispatched to the scene of a collision in Gaithersburg involving a pedestrian early this morning. The collision took place in the southbound lanes of N. Frederick Avenue (MD 355) at its intersection with Christopher Avenue at 3:40 AM. Montgomery County police officers arriving at the scene found an adult male pedestrian suffering from unspecified injuries. His condition was not provided in the initial report from the police department.
According to police, the driver who struck the pedestrian remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. All southbound lanes of MD 355 are currently closed between Watkins Mill Road and Christopher Avenue.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Gaithersburg man identified as victim in Montgomery County homicide
Montgomery County police have identified the victim in the fatal shooting at Potomac Woods Plaza at 1087 Seven Locks Road early Sunday morning, September 13, 2026. Homicide detectives have also released more details about the incident. According to police, the victim, Nicholas Njuki, 33, of Gaithersburg, had a "confrontation" with the unknown male suspect inside Quincy's Potomac Bar & Grille earlier. Following the confrontation, Njuki left the restaurant with a companion, with whom he got into a vehicle. While attempting to leave the shopping center, their vehicle encountered another vehicle driven by the suspect.
Friday, September 11, 2026
Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando discharged from hospital
Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D - At-Large) has been discharged from the hospital after a successful surgical procedure following a heart attack last weekend. He is continuing his recovery at home, from where he filmed and uploaded a video message to his constituents. Jawando thanked his doctors at George Washington University Hospital, and the community for the outpouring of support and well-wishes. The video was likely reassuring to constituents, as you would not know he had suffered a medical emergency just days ago if you were not already aware. His appearance and speech showed no sign of illness or impairment.
Jawando advised viewers to "take care of yourself," and not ignore warning signs of cardiovascular health issues. He noted that even exercising regularly and being in good overall health did not prevent last Saturday's heart attack. "I'm in shape, I work out a lot, but things can happen." In short, this could happen to any of us at any time.
"Most importantly, I want to thank God for getting me through this, and allowing me to still be here and to serve, and to be with you and to be with my family," Jawando said. Doctors expect Jawando, who is the Democratic nominee for Montgomery County Executive, to make a full recovery. "I'll be back on track before you know it," Jawando concluded. Jawando's office announced in a press release that it is fully open even while the Councilmember is recuperating, and that his staff is "available, and ready to serve constituents throughout his recovery."
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Al Punto Services relocates in Gaithersburg
Al Punto Services has made a short move in Olde Towne Gaithersburg. It is now located at 221 E. Diamond Avenue. Al Punto has always offered money transfer, bill paying, check cashing and notary services, and more. But it has now expanded into retail sales of clothing - soccer jerseys are a specialty, jewelry and other products. It had been at its previous spot, in the old Waters Appliance space, for six years.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Montgomery County Councilmember suffers heart attack
Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D - At-Large) suffered a heart attack during a pickup basketball game this past Saturday, September 5, his office announced on Monday. He was transported to George Washington University hospital, where doctors inserted a stent, although the statement released did not indicate where the stent was placed. The statement did say that Jawando is "resting comfortably." His doctors expect him to make a full recovery, and anticipate he will be discharged from the hospital later this week. He will then work back up to his normal Council schedule under their guidance.
Friday, September 4, 2026
Wonder food hall now open in Gaithersburg
Wonder food hall is now open at 124 Main Street in the Kentlands area of Gaithersburg. The hybrid food hall and ghost kitchen offers multiple cuisines with celebrity chef branding on one menu. This is the third Montgomery County location to open, if I am counting correctly. A fourth is under construction in Burtonsville. With the heavy cash burn of rapid expansion, it will be interesting to see if this is the next Starbucks, or the next WeWork or Slapfish.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen opens in Gaithersburg
Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen opened with a ribbon-cutting yesterday at 212 Boardwalk Place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. The dining room was packed this evening. Specialties include fresh breads, handmade mezze, Lamb Mouzat, Farrouj, and Kareem's signature hummus, which is prepared from scratch in a three-day process.
"I'm proud to bring Kareem's to Maryland and share the food, traditions and hospitality that have been part of my family for generations," Chef Rachid Eido said in a statement. "Lebanese hospitality is about more than serving a meal. It is about opening your table, sharing generously and making people feel like they belong. That is what we want every guest to experience when they come to Kareem's."
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Arby's construction begins at Red Mill Shops
Construction has begun on the future Arby's restaurant at 7200 Muncaster Mill Road at the Red Mill Shops shopping center. So far, they are demolishing the interior of the former McDonald's. They haven't added Arby's to the tenants on the shopping center's monument sign yet, but you can see the blank space where it will go. Here's a look inside:
Monday, August 31, 2026
Empress Coffee & Cocktails for sale in Gaithersburg
Empress Coffee & Cocktails is being marketed as available for sale at 325 Main Street in the Kentlands area of Gaithersburg. The asking price is $250,000. Empress has a lease that expires on April 3, 2034, at a rent of $6200 a month, according to the online sale listing. That listing states that the reason the coffee shop is on the market is that the owner is moving. Empress remains fully open for business at this time.
Friday, August 28, 2026
Sheetz opens second Gaithersburg location
Sheetz is now open at 793 S. Frederick Avenue (MD 355) at the Walnut Hill Shopping Center in Gaithersburg. This is the second Montgomery County location for the convenience store and mega gas station chain. The store model used in the County is smaller than the ones I've been in on the road elsewhere. Sheetz expedited development of this second Gaithersburg location after the first, at 751 Progress Way, quickly proved to be a financial success. This one is convenient to the Rockville and Derwood areas.
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Teen stabbed in Germantown
Montgomery County police responded to a report of a stabbing in Germantown yesterday afternoon. The assault took place at the 7-Eleven store at 19786 Crystal Rock Drive at 4:25 PM Wednesday. One juvenile male victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, but is expected to survive, police say. The suspect(s) in the incident remain at large as of this writing.
Monday, August 24, 2026
Violent assault in Montgomery Village
Montgomery County police responded to a report of a violent assault in Montgomery Village this past Saturday afternoon. The assault was reported in the 18700 block of Nathans Place at 3:17 PM. According to police, the victim was assaulted by an unspecified number of assailants, and was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries as a result. It was a disturbing incident for two reasons: First, it continued the troubling 2026 Montgomery County crime trend of violent crime being committed during daylight hours. And second, it took place only a block east of the Lakeforest Mall site, where developers will soon be attempting to sell homebuyers on an expensive new community in one of the highest-crime hotspots in Montgomery County.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Police investigate shots-fired incident at Gaithersburg apartment building
A shots-fired incident inside a Gaithersburg apartment building is being investigated by police. The incident was reported at an apartment complex in the 18300 block of Streamside Drive at 8:42 PM last night. According to Montgomery County police, a single shot was fired inside an apartment unit there. Police have not announced any further details yet regarding the circumstances of the discharge, or whether any charges have been brought as a result.
Friday, August 14, 2026
Self-storage unit burglarized in Gaithersburg
Montgomery County police responded to a report of a burglary at a self-storage facility in Gaithersburg yesterday afternoon. The burglary was reported at a self-storage complex in the 8500 block of Snouffer School Road at 2:55 PM Thursday. Police have not identified the specific business, but that appears to be the U-Haul Moving & Storage facility at 8501 Snouffer School Road. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry into at least one storage unit. They determined that items were stolen from the unit.
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Road rage in Germantown
Montgomery County police responded to a road rage incident in Germantown yesterday morning, August 12, 2026. The incident was reported at the intersection of Father Hurley Boulevard and Waters Landing Drive between 10:00 and 10:30 AM Wednesday. According to police, amid a road rage dispute, one driver displayed a handgun to the other. No description of the suspect was released.

















































