Rockville resident surprises burglars in bedroom

A Rockville resident disrupted a midday burglary in her home on Monday, April 28, 2025, Rockville City police report. The two female suspects had already picked up items from bedrooms in the home in the 500 block of S. Horners Lane, and then entered the victim's bedroom at 12:30 PM. When the victim surprised them, the two women ran out of the home with the stolen valuables, and fled in a dark-colored Chevrolet Suburban. 

The victim had earlier locked the front door, she told police, but officers determined that the suspects had still been able to break in through the door despite the lock. They were apparently not aware that the victim was at home at the time.

Police describe the two suspects as White women with "noticeably thick accents," approximately 40 to 50 years in age, heavy-set, 5'4" to 5'7" in height, with long, black hair. They were wearing "long robe-style dresses" and white shoes. If you can assist detectives in identifying either of the suspects in this case, call police at 240-314-8900.

Muse Alley renovations advance at Pike & Rose in Rockville

Extensive renovations on Muse Alley at Pike & Rose continue to advance at the Federal Realty development along Rockville Pike. The public space's primary function, aside from providing pedestrian access to several buildings and the Trade Street garage, is outdoor dining. It was essentially demolished, and now you can see the new overhead structure and lighting fixtures. Kusshi, Owen's Tavern and Garden, and Caruso's Grocery all remain open for business during the construction work.

Rockville hotel maid finds gun while cleaning room

Another unattended firearm has been recovered by Rockville City police. A hotel maid called police after finding a gun while cleaning a guest room at 8:26 AM on April 17, 2025. The gun turned out to be loaded, and it was believed to have been left by the guest who had just checked out of the hotel, which is located in the unit block of Research Court. There are two hotels on that block, a Ramada Inn, and a Sleep Inn. 

Masked men prowling Derwood at night

Masked men are reportedly prowling residential neighborhoods in Derwood at night, seeking to steal valuables from cars, or the cars themselves. Montgomery County police were called after at least one vehicle was broken into on Grande Vista Drive at 12:39 AM Sunday morning, April 27, 2025. According to police radio communications, several men were spotted wearing hoodies and masks at a nearby intersection in the neighborhood around that time. Police were called nearly two hours earlier about an auto theft incident in the nearby 7600 block of Moccasin Lane.

If you have any information about the masked men, or about these or other related incidents of theft in the Derwood/Rockville area, contact police at (301) 279-8000. Remember to lock your vehicle, remove all visible items from the interior, and do not leave your keys in the glove compartment or ignition. 

Maryland continues resurfacing northbound Rockville Pike

A Maryland State Highway Administration contractor continues a major resurfacing project on Rockville Pike (MD 355) in Rockville. This has been going on for months. Currently, the northbound lanes are being worked on. If you have a new car, or one you're concerned about getting scratched or dinged, you may want to take an alternate route.

Janie and Jack's new storefront ready at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Janie and Jack could be making the switch any day now at Westfield Montgomery Mall. In fact, the children's clothing boutique's new location - next to California Pizza Kitchen on Level 2 - has already been updated on the mall website. If the usual location is closed when you arrive, just look across the corridor for the new spot. Signage has been installed above the new storefront. Inside, inventory is visible on the shelves.

Assault at bus stop in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at a bus stop yesterday afternoon, April 25, 2025. The assault was reported at a bus stop in the 700 block of Hungerford Drive (MD 355). It occurred at 3:15 PM Friday. In other exciting bus stop news, just 27 minutes before the assault call, Rockville City police had located a fugitive from another Maryland county at a bus stop in the 300 block of W. Montgomery Avenue.

Final 3 days for Forever 21 at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

If you want to go on one last shopping spree at Forever 21 at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, you'd better hurry. There are only three days left to shop. As you can see from the photos here, inventory is being snapped up at 60-80% off. Shelves near the front door that held store fixtures for sale are bare. Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy, and all of its stores nationwide are expected to close by May 1, 2025.

Brandy Melville opens in Rockville

Brandy Melville has opened at Pike & Rose on Rockville Pike. The women's fast fashion boutique is located at 11804 Grand Park Avenue. Brandy Melville was founded in Italy, but gained success after taking inspiration from California designs rather than Italian fashions. The label's target audience is comprised of teens and young adults.

Another reason for Brandy Melville's popularity is that their pricing is very reasonable. They're still looking for full-time and weekend employees, if you are seeking a retail fashion position. Scan the QR code pictured in the bottom photo below.

Rockville Trader Joe's construction update (Photos)

Most of the Rockville grocery store excitement at the moment is focused on the June 25 opening of Wegmans on Rockville Pike. But those living closer to "The Square," a.k.a. Rockville Town Square, are eagerly awaiting the opening of Trader Joe's at 225 N. Washington Street. This is one of 21 new Trader Joe's stores opening nationwide this year. Three will be in the Washington, D.C. area, including this one, which will take the place of former grocery tenant Dawson's Market.

Virginia added more than twice as many jobs as Maryland in March

The economic development broken record played the same tune yet again in the Washington, D.C. region last month. Virginia destroyed Maryland in job creation once again, adding more than twice as many jobs in March 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Maryland added 2,300 jobs, while Virginia added 5,900 jobs. 

March's job creation numbers show Virginia's economy remained far stronger than moribund Maryland's in a month where both states were impacted by federal job cuts. The total number of actual federal positions lost remains murky, as legal injunctions or orders to rehire workers have followed many of the "DOGE" layoffs.

"This job growth reflects businesses hiring as Virginians continue to find opportunities," Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said in a statement. "Virginia has jobs, and we’re committed to strengthening the business environment so that everyone can find a path to success right here in the Commonwealth."

Rockville environmental cleanup is no laughing matter

Threats to the local ecosystem aren't exactly comedy material. But when Montgomery County satirical publication Montgonion branched out into civic activism recently, it found some readers were having a hard time taking it seriously. After tackling a litter problem in Glenmont, the Montgonion staff turned its attention to the 15100 block of Southlawn Lane in Rockville. Their efforts resulted in several departments of Montgomery County government taking action to remove illegally-parked or abandoned vehicles, and trash. The street is adjacent to parkland and a tributary of Rock Creek.

Montgomery County has also asked a cement company located there to have its trucks line up within its property, rather than idling on the public road. The County will also be assessing environmental impacts on the nearby stream. 

After posting about their success, the Montgonion staff was alarmed that many readers thought the story was yet another satirical yarn. They want you to know the story is true, and that they are ready to investigate any other problem areas you know about in Rockville and Montgomery County. Now about that WSSC free automobile undercarriage wash in Aspen Hill...ok, that one might not be true. Or is it? We are talking about the WSSC here, after all.

Photo courtesy Montgonion

Ace Hardware opening new store in Rockville

Ace Hardware is opening a new location in Rockville. It will be at 835 Rockville Pike at Wintergreen Plaza. That was most recently home to Gold's Gym, so it is a sizeable space. When it opens, this will be the only Ace Hardware store in Rockville.

Elrich to veto Montgomery County Council's massive developer tax break

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has declared his intention to veto a bill recently passed by the Montgomery County Council, which would exempt new residential developments from property taxes for 20 years, if they provide at least 17.5% affordable units and are converted from - or replace - existing office buildings. The legislation would apply to so many projects that it would likely drain billions from County coffers over the next two decades, and bankrupt the County. Such projects are already being built in great numbers without the new incentive.

"This bill makes no sense," Elrich said in his weekly update video Friday. "It gives away desperately-needed revenues to the developers." The Council is expected to try to overturn Elrich's veto. Seven councilmembers will have to vote in favor of overturning the veto to be successful. "Now is the time to speak up," Elrich said, urging residents to contact their councilmembers, and tell them they oppose overturning Elrich's veto. Although all councilmembers have accepted financial contributions from developers, the vote to overturn Elrich's veto will be closely watched, to see which councilmembers are willing to risk fiscal oblivion merely to facilitate even-higher profits for their developer sugar daddies.

Signage installed at Wegmans in Rockville (Photos)

Here's another "sign" that the opening of Wegmans at 1590 Rockville Pike in Rockville is fast approaching. A sign installation team affixed the large permanent Wegmans logo signage to the outside of the store Friday. The store is scheduled to open a little over two months from now, on June 25, 2025. Wegmans will be the anchor of the new Twinbrook Quarter development.

Peeping Tom, pickpocket strike at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police were kept busy at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda on Thursday afternoon, April 17, 2025. At 3:10 PM, officers were called to investigate a Peeping Tom at the mall. About three hours later at 6:20 PM, a mall patron called police to report that their pocket had been picked. Remember to keep your wallet securely in a front pocket, if possible, and do not leave purses unattended while shopping.

Garbage time: Trash can employed in Rockville assault

Quick reflexes allowed a victim to escape injury when a trash can was hurled in their direction in the Rockcrest neighborhood of Rockville on Sunday, April 13, 2025. The victim, and a suspect known to the victim, were engaged in a verbal argument in the 1500 block of Rockwood Drive at 7:11 PM Sunday. When the dispute escalated, the suspect hoisted a garbage can, and threw it toward the victim. 

The victim was able to sidestep the trash can, but their vehicle was not as fortunate. It was damaged when the can slammed into it instead of its owner, leaving a dent. Rockville City police responded to the scene, and after investigation, the case was referred for charges.

Rockville Pike McDonald's construction advancing (Photos)

Here's a look at the progress on the new McDonald's restaurant at 11710 Rockville Pike in White Flint. New and improved, as this one - unlike the McDonald's that just closed nearby - will have drive-thru service. You can see the two drive-thru windows on the south side of the building now. Fast food restaurant construction is often measured in days or weeks, rather than the months this one has been. Another unusual aspect of this? I've never seen Home Depot protective wrap on a project like this before.

Thai Express opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Thai Express is now open in the Dining Terrace food court at Westfield Montgomery Mall. If something seems familiar about this, it's because Thai Express has filled the spot just vacated by Ruby Thai Kitchen as 2025 began. Like Ruby Thai, Thai Express features combo meals on the entree menu. Thai Express has a few additional side items, but one less soup option than Ruby Thai offered. Operating hours for Thai Express are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday; they are closed on Sundays.