Thief rummages through cars, garage in Rockville

A thief searched vehicles and a garage at a home in Rockville early Monday morning, Rockville City police report. The incident took place in the unit block of Big Tree Court at 4:23 AM on October 12, 2026. A suspect entered and rummaged through two unlocked vehicles that were parked outside the home. Finding a garage door opener inside one of the vehicles, the suspect used it to open the garage door of the house. Apparently again failing to find anything of interest or value, the suspect fled. 

No description of the suspect has been released at this time. It's another inconvenient reminder to lock your car, remove all valuables from the interior, and never leave keys or key fobs inside the vehicle.

Montgomery County farmland 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.

Skating rink under construction at The Square at Rockville

It's that time of year again, when the chill of fall is in the air, and the holiday season is only 19 days away. I can almost smell the Thanksgiving stuffing, and once again the ice skating rink is under construction at The Square at Rockville. The rink is scheduled to open on October 19. Hours of operation will be 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Monday through Thursday, 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Fridays, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Saturdays, and 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Sundays. Skating time is not free; tickets range from $12 (under 13 and senior citizens) to $13 for ages 13 and up.

Shotted Specialty Coffee opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Shotted Specialty Coffee is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Saudi-inspired coffee and dessert bar features several unique beverages and menu items you won't find at Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts. Try a Karak Chai or Warm Date Toffee for a taste of the Arabian Gulf. They even have soft-serve ice cream. 

The chain, which is thriving in Northern Virginia, was conceived by its founder as a way to use coffee as an ambassador for Saudi culture. Its corporate values are aligned with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 initiative, part of which is aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy beyond oil with the promotion of culture and tourism. Customers are invited to experience Saudi culture and hospitality at all Shotted locations, and three Saudi holidays are celebrated with special events.

But Shotted isn't ignoring trends closer to home. Witness their Pumpkin Series menu for fall, which features the limited-time-only Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Chai Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, and Pumpkin Cream Matcha beverages. It will be interesting to see what seasonal drinks they might have as the holidays and winter approach. Look for Shotted Specialty Coffee in the former Gold Bunny Donut space in the Dining Terrace food court, on Level 2 of the mall.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Montgomery County police called after assault at restaurant in Rockville

Montgomery County police were called to a restaurant in Rockville on Thursday, October 8, 2026, after someone was allegedly assaulted there. The assault was reported at a restaurant in the 11800 block of Grand Park Avenue at Pike & Rose at 6:20 PM, the height of the dinner hour. Police have not yet identified the specific restaurant where the assault took place.

Wetzel's Pretzels opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda with Cat in the Hat movie promo

Wetzel's Pretzels is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The arch-rival of Auntie Anne's has made a triumphant return to the mall nine years after closing its original kiosk here. It arrives just in time for a major motion picture tie-in promotion with The Cat in the Hat, which opens in theaters nationwide on November 6. The partnership centers on a limited-time-only drink, The Things' Blue Lemonade Freeze. A super-patriotic red-white-and-blue presentation combines frozen lemonade with Blue Raspberry Granita and Cherry Boba. 

Special movie-themed packaging for standard menu items is also part of the promotion, while supplies last. The Cat in the Hat drink will be available through December 6, ensuring Black Friday refreshment. If you haven't tried Wetzel's Pretzels before, now you can finally conduct your own head-to-head comparison with Auntie Anne's under the same roof at Montgomery Mall. Look for Wetzel's Pretzels on Level 2 of the mall, in the corridor between Macy's and the Dining Terrace food court.

Armed robbery at convenience store in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an armed robbery this past Tuesday night, October 6, 2026. The robbery was reported at a convenience store in the 200 block of Park Road at 10:15 PM. That appears to be 24/7 Grocery and Food at 202-B Park Road. A knife was the weapon employed in the robbery.