Thief ransacks cash register at Rio in Gaithersburg

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a burglary at a restaurant at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg yesterday morning, April 20, 2026. The burglary was reported at a restaurant in the 200 block of Boardwalk Place. It is believed to have occurred between 6:00 and 8:00 AM. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry at the restaurant. A cash register had been cleaned out.

Police have no suspect descriptions at this time. They did not explain how the suspect managed to evade multiple surveillance cameras during the incident. If you have any information that could assist detectives in closing this case, call (301) 279-8000.

Sheetz construction advancing at Walnut Hill Shopping Center (Photos)

The convenience store building at the future Sheetz at 733 S. Frederick Avenue at the Walnut Hill Shopping Center in Gaithersburg is looking a lot closer to a finished product since my last update - at least on the outside. Brick and stone facade treatments are in place where Tyvek was previously. Gaping squares and rectangles are now filled with window glass and doors, the latter already sporting Sheetz logos. And construction is now underway on the canopy that will protect the gas pumps and those pumping them from the elements.

Clarksburg man arrested in Peeping Tom incident at Bethesda high school

Montgomery County police have arrested a suspect in a Peeping Tom incident at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda. Students found a video camera in the control booth of the school's theater. Looking at the contents, they discovered videos filmed in the girls' changing room of the theater. James Mulhern III, 43, of Clarksburg was arrested, having allegedly been identified from video that showed him placing the camera in the changing room. Mulhern is a media services technician at the school. He has been charged with sex abuse of a minor. 

Police investigate hate speech at Seneca Valley HS in Germantown

Montgomery County police are investigating vandalism that allegedly included hate speech at Seneca Valley High School at 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown. Police were called to the school Tuesday afternoon, April 14, 2026, when the graffiti was discovered in a bathroom at 12:40 PM. Officers say that the graffiti they saw in the restroom included an anti-Semitic message. 

Strong-arm robbery in Montgomery Village

When they lose the knife, they have to resort to bare hands. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we're heading back to one of the highest crime streets in Montgomery County, Lost Knife Road in Montgomery Village. Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery there at 2:31 PM on March 29, 2026. Two suspects assaulted and stole property from the adult male victim.

Police describe the suspects only as a male and a female. If you have any information about this incident, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Gaithersburg's newest 7-Eleven to hold grand opening April 17

You're invited to celebrate the opening of the newest 7-Eleven in Gaithersburg this Friday, April 17, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The new store is located at 10003 Fields Road, near Sam Eig Highway and Rio Lakefront. Guests will enjoy exclusive deals, giveaways, and more. Celebrate finishing your taxes with a Big Gulp and a Big Bite Hot Dog with everything on it...if you have any money left after Wednesday.

Lakeforest Mall redevelopment breaks ground in Gaithersburg

Demolition of Lakeforest Mall is well underway in Gaithersburg, but an official groundbreaking ceremony was held today at the property for what is to replace it. Developer WRS, Inc. was joined by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, former Gaithersburg mayor and current County Council member Sid Katz, and current Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman to officially fire the starting gun on construction of what WRS describes as a "mini-city." The $1.2 billion project will deliver 1600 residential units by three homebuilders, an upgraded Lakeforest Transit Center, and over 470,000-square-feet of retail and restaurant space. Initial tenants will include Sprouts Farmers Market, Home Depot, and a Landmark Theatres cineplex. 

It's shameful what Montgomery County officials and later owners of the property allowed to happen to Lakeforest Mall this century. It was an upscale mall when it opened, and - much like White Flint Mall - to see it being demolished even before the older and less-fancy malls in Bethesda and Wheaton is a sheer travesty. You have to be truly bad at governing to be this good at destroying communities and their crown jewels like this. 

Pour out an Orange Julius for Lakeforest Mall. It was too good for us. We didn't deserve it, after repeatedly electing people who allowed the mall and surrounding area to become overridden by crime. And in terms of what mall owners could control, it was clear that the most recent set of landlords were determined to tear down the mall to reap maximum real estate transaction profit, the community be damned.

Today begins a new chapter for the property. The developer has many challenges ahead, including the aforementioned neighborhood crime, and to deliver a water feature that is as well-integrated and successful as the one at well-ensconced competitor Rio Lakefront. "This is more than just a construction project; it is the rebirth of a community anchor," WRS Inc. Principal Kevin Rogers said in a statement this afternoon. "We aren't just building buildings; we are creating a destination where people can live, work, and thrive without being dependent on their cars. We are proud to deliver a project that honors the legacy of Lakeforest while looking firmly toward the future of Gaithersburg."

Photo courtesy WRS Inc.

Hobby Lobby opening June 1 in Gaithersburg

Montgomery County's first Hobby Lobby store is currently expected to open on June 1, 2026 at 15750 Shady Grove Road at the 270 Center in Gaithersburg, a spokesperson for the big box crafts and decor chain said yesterday. Barring any construction or permitting setbacks, the chain plans to host a grand opening event that day. Formerly home to Best Buy, the building is positioned on the border of Gaithersburg and Rockville, and is right by off ramps from I-270. 

This is arguably the most-anticipated retail opening of 2026 in Montgomery County. There is pent-up demand among MoCo residents who have never had a local Hobby Lobby store to shop at. But there is also the vacuum left by the closure of local JOANN Fabrics and Crafts stores, including the Gaithersburg location. Construction continues on the Gaithersburg Hobby Lobby, but completion is now within sight.

Fatal shooting in Darnestown

Montgomery County police are investigating a homicide that took place this morning in Darnestown. Police were called to the scene of a shooting in the 12000 block of Carrington Hill Drive at 5:55 AM. Upon arrival, officers and Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service personnel found the shooting victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside his residence. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police say there are no suspects in custody, and no suspect descriptions, at this time. They have not released the name of the victim, as they have not been able to contact all relevant family members to notify them of the death. The Major Crimes Division, Homicide Unit is proceeding with a full investigation.

Montgomery County government liquor store burglarized in Germantown

One of the Montgomery County government liquor sales monopoly stores was burglarized late last month in Germantown. The burglary took place at Kingsview Wine & Liquor at 18323 Leaman Farm Road in the early morning hours of March 27, 2026. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry at the store. They determined merchandise had been taken from inside.

Police describe the suspects only as a White or Hispanic male of unknown age, and two additional males of no further description. If you have any information that could assist detectives in closing this case, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Maryland Governor candidate Ed Hale puts skyrocketing electric bills in spotlight

Maryland gubernatorial candidate Ed Hale speaks with
supporters about their high electricity bills in Baltimore 

Baltimore businessman Ed Hale, a Republican candidate for governor of Maryland, used the backdrop of Geresbeck's Food Market at the Hawthorne Plaza shopping center in Charm City today to demonstrate the devastating impact of the state's skyrocketing energy bills on businesses and residents. During a press conference, he noted the grocery store's electric bill had nearly doubled in only the last 30 days. Its latest monthly electric bill? A whopping $57,000.

"I don't know how you survive this," Hale said of the crushing additional cost burden on businesses. Such costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers, adding to the already absurdly high prices that are pummeling Americans from coast to coast. Hale warned that demand for electricity will only increase during the heat of summer, and that will come with enormous cost to every consumer.

Hale showed a second electric bill, this one from his own grandson. His grandson's monthly bill increased from $185.80 to $528.51. "This is a huge, huge, huge issue affecting everybody in our state," Hale said.

Alluding to current Maryland Governor Wes Moore's non-stop national TV appearances, as Moore pursues a presidential campaign, Hale asked why Moore isn't answering questions from his constituents instead of from TV personalities. "Who's in charge here? He's on Meet the Press or Face the Nation, but who's facing Marylanders, you know? Where is he? And he's just not here. He's running for president of the United States."

"People are moving out of the state," Hale continued. "Businesses are moving out of the state. And we're going to have fewer people retiring in our state." He again cited a recent poll that found that over 60% of Marylanders are either in the process of leaving the state, or are seriously considering such a move.

"We just can't stand this," Hale said. "We need to replace this man as fast as possible." Arguing that Moore sees the state as a mere stepping stone for his national and world power aspirations, Hale drew a comparison with his own campaign's political goals. "Maryland is not a stepping stone for us. Maryland is where we all live, and we can't stand to have this anymore."

Moore and Democrats who control the state legislature have recently tried to divert attention away from the policies and laws they passed that are largely responsible for the spike in energy costs. They ordered the closure of eight power plants across the state, mandated expensive purchases of "clean" power, and implemented a literally-Communist EmPOWER Maryland surcharge on electric bills, an extra tax that Moore hiked further last year. Now they are attempting to seize on the astroturf anti-data-center movement, by falsely blaming AI for the financial destruction they themselves have wrought on communities and businesses statewide.

"I'm going to make sure that we reopen the plants that have been closed," Hale vowed. "We need to get this state reopen for jobs."

Armed robbery in broad daylight in Montgomery Village

Even lunchtime isn't safe anymore in Montgomery County. County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in Montgomery Village on March 23, 2026. The robbery was reported on an unspecified block of Apple Ridge Road at 12:40 PM. Police say two suspects approached the victim, and one of the two displayed a firearm. They took property from the adult male victim and fled on foot.

Police describe the suspects only as two Hispanic males of unknown age. If you have any information about this case, call police at (301) 279-8000. This continues the recent, disturbing trend of violent crimes being committed during broad daylight hours in Montgomery County.

Gaithersburg Hobby Lobby construction update (Photos)

Here's a look at the construction progress on the first Hobby Lobby store in Montgomery County at 15750 Shady Grove Road in the 270 Center, on the border of Gaithersburg and Rockville. The interior fit-out is still blocked from view, but we can see the exterior alterations being made to the former Best Buy facade. A look at the Hobby Lobby website shows the large inventory of Easter products, as an example of the chain's seasonal merchandise. Stay tuned for an opening date.

Matan Cos. breaks ground on new strip mall in Gaithersburg

Matan Companies broke ground on the latest addition to its commercial development on the former Leidos site at the corner of MD 355 and Montgomery Village Avenue in Gaithersburg today. Construction will now commence on a 10175-square-foot strip mall at 715 Progress Way. It will join two fully-leased 198,000-square-foot Class A buildings, also developed by Matan Companies, whose tenants include AstraZeneca, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), and Daikin Comfort Technologies Distribution, Inc., and two pad sites occupied by Chick-fil-A and Sheetz. The latter two have drawn tremendous traffic to the property, and corporate officials at Sheetz have publicly expressed their satisfaction with the success of their first Montgomery County location here.

Three pad sites remain available, along with the inline spaces available in the future strip mall. "We’re excited to continue expanding this dynamic destination in Gaithersburg," said James Matan, Director of Leasing for the Matan Companies, said in a statement this morning. "With strong existing traffic generated by Chick-fil-A and Sheetz, along with excellent accessibility, this site offers an ideal opportunity for retailers."

Montgomery County police arrest 2 in Germantown grocery store shooting

Montgomery County police have arrested two suspects in the March 20, 2026 shooting inside a grocery store in Germantown. One person was wounded in the shooting, which took place inside the Giant supermarket at 18331 Leaman Farm Road at 8:40 PM. Both suspects were armed, police say, and one of them fired multiple shots inside the store while chasing the victim.

Marcus Isaiah Jovon Braithwaite, 19, of Germantown and Demba Tandia, 16, of Montgomery Village have been charged with attempted first-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime. Braithwaite is being held at the County jail pending a bond hearing. Tandia was located in Sterling, Virginia, and is awaiting extradition to Montgomery County. Police have released surveillance camera footage of the incident.