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.

Homicide detectives used surveillance footage from the shopping center to identify Solimani Damabi as the alleged shooter. He has been charged with first-degree murder, and the use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime. Solimani Damabi is being held at the County jail pending a bond hearing.

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.

Police describe Solimani Damabi as being 6-feet, 2-inches tall and weighing approximately 205 pounds. His whereabouts are currently unknown.

Anyone with information regarding this homicide or the location of Shayan Solimani Damabi is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “P3 Tips” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. Tips may remain anonymous. Information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward ranging from $250 to $10,000.

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. 

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.

Police did not describe what precisely happened next, but said Njuki ultimately exited the vehicle at 2:02 AM, at which time the suspect shot Njuki once from inside his own vehicle. The suspect then allegedly fired a shot at Njuki's companion, who had remained inside their vehicle. His companion then drove away from the scene and called 911. The suspect fled the scene in his own vehicle.

Interestingly, a description of the suspect has not yet been released. But police are asking anyone with information about this homicide to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org, and click on the “P3 Tips” link at the top of the page, or call 1-866-411-8477. Tipsters may remain anonymous. Information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward ranging from $250 to $10,000.

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."

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.