Police searching for Montgomery Village attempted carjacking suspect

Montgomery County police are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating a man they say attempted to carjack a vehicle in Montgomery Village on the evening of November 4, 2024. Police say the incident occurred at 8:10 PM at the intersection of Montgomery Village Avenue and Midcounty Highway. Detectives describe the suspect as a Hispanic male with a beard and mustache, wearing a white hoodie, jeans, and a puffer jacket (gotta keep warm while carjacking, after all). They have released video of the suspect.

Germantown police standoff with knife-wielding man ends peacefully

A police standoff with a knife-wielding man ended peacefully Sunday, November 17, 2024, Montgomery County police announced this morning. Marques Buford, 49, of Germantown was taken into custody outside of his apartment complex in the 12300 block of Silvergate Way. The incident began after Buford's wife called 911 to report that her husband allegedly would not allow her to leave their apartment at 7:19 AM. A database scan indicated that Buford had a history of "dangerous behavior," police said.

When officers arrived at the apartment property, they encountered Buford outside, wielding a butcher knife. They attempted to use non-lethal means to take him into custody, but Buford was allegedly wearing a paintball mask and many layers of clothing, which rendered those efforts ineffective. Officers then called in an Emergency Response Team, and a S.W.A.T. team.

A trained negotiator with the 5th District was successful in de-escalating the situation to the point that, when Buford attempted to flee on foot, officers were able to take him into custody without injury to any party involved. 

Buford was evaluated at a local hospital, and then transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he was charged with false imprisonment. He is currently being held without bond.

Assault at library in Gaithersburg

Montgomery County police were called to a library in Gaithersburg on Thursday, November 14, 2024, after someone reported having been the victim of a 2nd-degree assault there. The assault was reported at the Quince Orchard Library at 15831 Quince Orchard Road at 2:30 PM Thursday. That is across the street from Quince Orchard High School.

Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls celebrates Gaithersburg grand opening today with 20%-off

Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls at 201-A Boardwalk Place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg is celebrating its Grand Opening today, Friday, November 15, 2024. Starting at 10:30 AM this morning, menu prices will be 20%-off all day, today only. Mason's opened earlier this fall at the Peterson Cos. development. 

Virginia beats Maryland again, wins $1.3 billion manufacturing facility & 2015 jobs

Could Maryland and Montgomery County use a $1.3 billion corporate investment, 2015 high-wage jobs, and a major infusion of tax revenue? Yes! Did we win the 500,000-square-foot Microporous manufacturing facility? No! But Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will give you three guesses as to who did. Yet again, our rival across the Potomac River has bested us in the economic development sweepstates.

Microporous, a leading manufacturer of battery separators, will construct the $1.3 billion facility in Berry Hill, Virginia. The factory will create 2015 new, high-wage jobs, and will provide more freight traffic for the Port of Virginia. Tennessee-based Microporous was founded as the American Rubber Company, which patented the first rubber battery separator in 1934. Today, their products are in high demand, as adoption of electric vehicles explodes in many countries around the world, even if demand for EVs still lags in the United States. Virginia's port will indeed see a boost in outbound traffic as a result, as Microporous is the only manufacturer of rubber battery separators used in electric automobiles and mobility devices.

“This historic $1.35 billion investment by Microporous in Pittsylvania County marks a new chapter in Virginia's incredible advanced manufacturing story,” Youngkin said in a statement yesterday. “This project not only brings over 2,000 new jobs to Southside Virginia, but also positions the Commonwealth at the forefront of our nation’s resurgence in manufacturing. Microporous' decision to establish their new facility here underscores Virginia's competitive advantages and our commitment to leading the way in innovative industries.” Youngkin's office identified North Carolina as the other finalist for the facility; it's unclear if Maryland even attempted to pursue the opportunity, or was once again asleep at the switch.

“It is with great pleasure and excitement that we welcome Microporous to the Southern Virginia Megasite and Pittsylvania County," Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman Darrell Dalton said Wednesday. “Microporous brings a new level of technological advancement to our business community as well as high paying jobs that offer another opportunity for our young people to remain and raise families in and near their hometowns. Microporous will also provide the County with added revenue to better serve our citizens. We look forward to many years of Microporous’ growth and success and Pittsylvania County is honored to be part of that journey.” 

Photos courtesy Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Woman assaulted, robbed in Shady Grove Professional Park

A woman was the victim of three robbers at Shady Grove Professional Park in the early morning hours of November 2, 2024, Montgomery County police report. The woman was in the commercial townhome development in the 9000 block of Shady Grove Court on the border of Gaithersburg and Rockville when she was approached by three suspects. They allegedly assaulted her, and stole money and unspecified property from her. Police describe the suspects only as a Black male, and two Black females. If you can identify any of these suspects, or have any information about this incident, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Armed robbery reported at Germantown school

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery at a school in Germantown this past Friday evening, November 8, 2024. The robbery was reported at Waters Landing Elementary School at 13100 Waters Landing Drive at 7:17 PM Friday. A firearm was the weapon employed in the alleged robbery.