Fugitive caught in Rockville

A fugitive with outstanding arrest warrants on other charges made the mistake of exposing himself in Rockville on March 24, 2025. Rockville City police were called to investigate the incident at the intersection of Wootton Parkway and Tower Oaks Boulevard at 1:58 PM. Officers determined that the suspect, a 36-year-old adult male, had outstanding warrants for trespassing and failure to appear in court. He was taken into custody.

Assault at Rockville Metro station

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an assault at the Rockville Metro station early Friday morning, March 28, 2025. The assault was reported at the station at 1:27 AM Friday. It reportedly occurred in the parking lot area of the station.

Rockville scammers threaten violence to get victim's money

A Rockville resident was threatened with physical violence if he did not turn over money from his bank account to an anonymous online bank scammer, Rockville City police report. The incident began when the male victim, a resident of West End Park, met the male suspect online on March 19, 2025. When the suspect allegedly demanded the victim purchase gift cards for him, the victim declined. The victim then began receiving threats of physical harm via text message from unknown senders. Police say that the original male suspect was ultimately able to make five fraudulent withdrawals from the victim's bank account later that day. 

"Ultimate Wagyu experience" coming soon to Rockville

Beef lovers in Rockville must prepare themselves for "the ultimate Wagyu experience," coming soon to the Twinbrook Quarter development. Genki Wagyu Shabu House will open later this year at 870 Festival Street. Signage posted at the location promises the "ultimate unlimited Wagyu experience" for diners. Wagyu, which is comprised of the four primary breeds of Japanese cattle, is among the most-expensive meats in the world.

Rockville dog walker accosted with racist threats

A person walking a dog in Rockville was accosted with verbal threats, which were deemed "racially motivated" by Rockville City police. The victim was walking the dog in the 100 block of First Street at 8:00 AM on March 18, 2025. An unknown male suspect began shouting at the victim. Police have not released a description of the suspect at this time.

UNIQLO construction advances at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

UNIQLO is going to be a large store when it opens at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda later this year. The latest stage of construction also suggests it may have a new exterior entrance punched through the mall's wall. Several new tenants at the mall over the last decade have obtained permission for this outward-facing feature. It's ironic that stores like Target at Westfield's Wheaton mall have reduced their number of access points recently, likely as a shoplifting deterrent, while it looks like UNIQLO may be increasing the number of entrances to guard.

Tesla confirms closure at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Tesla Motors has confirmed it has permanently closed its showroom at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. However, the company is terming the exit from the mall as a "move," and is directing potential customers to its Rockville dealership at 1300 Rockville Pike, and to its showroom in Georgetown at 3307 M Street NW. A peek inside the shuttered Montgomery Mall store finds a lone Tesla Cybertruck remaining of the cars that were on display until the operation abruptly closed, without explanation, early last week. 

The company is not yet publicly declaring the reason for the Bethesda closure. Tesla facilities and individual Tesla vehicles have been the target of vandalism and violent attack across the country in recent weeks, by opponents of Elon Musk's executive branch DOGE initiative within the administration of President Donald Trump. Outside the mall, a large Tesla billboard remains in place on a parking garage.

Uber delivery driver robbed in Rockville

An Uber delivery driver was robbed while attempting to deliver a package in the New Mark Commons community in Rockville Monday night, March 24, 2025. The driver arrived near the intersection of New Mark Esplanade and Don Mills Court at 6:20 PM Monday, Rockville City police report. Two male suspects identified themselves as the intended recipients of the package. However, they then grabbed the Uber driver's phone, and fled in a white Mercedes Benz.

Police have not released a description of the two suspects, the model and model year of the Mercedes Benz getaway car, or that vehicle's tag number. If you can assist detectives in closing this case, call 240-314-8900.

Watkins Cabinet Co. closes after 73 years in Montgomery County, property for sale

Watkins Cabinet Company has closed at 18001 Sellman Road in Dickerson, after 73 years in business. Its 14,884-square-foot factory and warehouse facility has been put on the market for sale. This is a prime 1.43-acre property for an industrial/manufacturing use, as it is right on the CSX Metropolitan Subdivision tracks, part of a major freight and Amtrak route between Washington, D.C. and Chicago. That creates the opportunity for direct freight rail shipping across the nation, or to ports in Baltimore and Norfolk. 

I have suggested for many years that Montgomery County sit down with CSX and try to create attractive industrial sites alongside the railroad. This could be for the manufacture of anything from furniture to pharmaceuticals to drones. In exchange for the new freight business, CSX might then cooperate for the additional track that has been sought for use by MARC commuter rail on this line. According to the online sale listing, the asking price for the Watkins Cabinet property is $2,000,000. If Montgomery County is serious about getting the third track, these are the types of opportunities they should be investigating in partnership with CSX. Even without a third track, moribund Montgomery County needs the business and high-wage job growth.

Wilbur Watkins founded Watkins Cabinet Company in 1952. It remained family-owned for all 73 years. You might have a Watkins cabinet, vanity, bar, or bookcase in your home right now, if you live in the Washington, D.C. region.

Photos courtesy Brian Jamison Real Estate

Assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police were once again called to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda this past weekend, after a report of an assault. The assault was reported at a department store inside the mall at 5:33 PM on Saturday, March 22, 2025. This was the third assault reported at the mall so far this year. There were 11 assaults reported at the popular retail center in 2024, 5 in 2023, and 12 in 2022.

MCPS teacher removed from classroom over mistreatment of hijab-wearing student

Montgomery County Public Schools has removed a teacher from a classroom at Cabin Branch Elementary School at 14129 Dunlin Street in Clarksburg, and ordered that he have no further contact with a student he is alleged to have mistreated. The 8-year-old American Muslim student reported that she was harassed, humiliated, threatened, and intimidated by the teacher, primarily over her hijab. She was allegedly given harsher penalties than her classmates, was denied drinking water and bathroom access, and was told to remove her hijab. 

Her father, who is a U.S. military veteran, told the Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) that her alleged mistreatment - which led to anxiety and panic attacks at school - was "profoundly disheartening." He welcomed today's actions by MCPS toward resolving the issue.

“It means everything to my family that my daughter can now feel safe in class," the student's father said in a statement. "This situation caused us a lot of stress and worry as parents, my daughter was afraid to go to school before. She’s young, she was struggling with what the teacher did. No one’s kid should have to deal with this kind of situation from their teachers, no matter their religion. Our family knows we can count on CAIR for support through these situations. CAIR has had our back, their help has given my family peace of mind.” 

“We applaud this family’s courage in coming forward for their daughter’s sake and we acknowledge Montgomery County Public Schools for taking swift action to address this complaint,” CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said in a statement this afternoon. “CAIR encourages all school districts to routinely provide comprehensive cultural competency and anti-discrimination trainings for all of their educators. It’s essential that they’re accountable to fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment for all students, regardless of their background.” 

Merlo Point, De Clichy closing at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

The super-short run for Merlo Point at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda is approaching an end, according to signage at the store, which opened shortly before Christmas. A closing sale is now underway at the local retailer, which carries European-inspired furniture, art, and home decor. Look for Merlo Point on Level 1 of the mall, between Calzedonia and Kickz.

Also exiting soon is De Clichy. The menswear boutique has been around significantly longer than Merlo Point, having opened here in 2022. It, too, is holding a closing sale. Find De Clichy and savings on Level 2, next to LensCrafters.

Rockville police catch Smoke Island burglars in the act

Early yesterday morning, Rockville City police caught a group of alleged burglars in the act at Saah Plaza. Around 1:15 AM Saturday, March 22, 2025, officers responded to a burglar alarm at Smoke Island at 811 Hungerford Drive. Four juveniles broke into the smoke shop, and stole merchandise. A timely response by Rockville's finest allowed the officers to catch all four suspects as they attempted to make their getaway from the scene.

All four suspects face charges in juvenile court. Officers were able to recover all of the stolen property from the business. Police said the suspects ranged in age from 13 to 16 years old.

Trader Joe's construction advances at Rockville Town Square (Photos)

Trader Joe's is inching closer to opening at Rockville Town Square. Any Trader Joe's regular will quickly recognize the wood checkout counters and wall trim now visible inside the former Dawson's Market at 225 N. Washington Street. Some refrigerated displays and shelving are in place. There is another Trader Joe's down the Pike at Federal Plaza, but this one will be much closer to many Rockville neighborhoods, and walking distance for residents in the Town Center area. Don't expect the other to close, as Trader Joe's has recently adopted a CVS Pharmacy/Starbucks geographic strategy, as demonstrated by its opening of two more locations near its longtime Bethesda store.

No opening date has been announced by the grocery chain. It has confirmed that, under Montgomery County's antiquated liquor laws, no beer or wine will be sold here. There are several beer and wine retailers in the Town Center vicinity, but your elected officials want to ensure that you will not just be able to grab a bottle of wine conveniently when you purchase your dinner at Trader Joe's!

"At Trader Joe's in Rockville Town Square, we see ourselves as your neighborhood grocery store," the company says. "Step inside and you'll find unconventional and interesting products in the Trader Joe's label like Mandarin Orange Chicken and Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, as well as everyday basics like milk, eggs and fresh produce. Most importantly, we offer all of our delicious, quality products at the very best prices. We’re happy to be part of your community, and proud to offer you unique products and an exceptional shopping experience, every day."

First look: The Lady Vintner wine bar in Rockville (Photos)

The window coverings have been removed at The Lady Vintner wine bar at 42 Maryland Avenue in Rockville Town Center. Located in the ground floor of the BLVD 44 apartment building, the craft-beer-and-wine bar and retail store has been in the works for about a year, following the closure of previous tenant Pour Vino N' Hops. The 1300-square-foot space will offer a diverse selection of high-quality wine and beer, an in-house sommelier, and a specially-curated food menu including paninis, flatbreads, charcuterie, fine cheeses, and more. It is scheduled to open in "early spring," which means very soon - stay tuned for an opening date.

You could be 7-Eleven's landlord in Germantown

If you have $4 million burning a hole in your pocket, you could take a Big Bite out of Germantown real estate. The land underneath the 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station at 12861 Clopper Road has hit the market for sale. You would become the landlord for 7-Eleven under this triple net lease (NNN) arrangement. The online sale listing offers some interesting facts about this 7-Eleven, such as its status in the 91st-percentile of customer traffic for the brand among all 7-Eleven stores in the United States, that 321,000 customers have patronized this 7-Eleven in the last 12 months, and that the store has about 5.5 years left on its current lease.

Update on Big Papi's Tacos, opening soon in Rockville (Photos)

A giant neon mustache has descended upon Rockville Town Center. Several lighted signs have been installed at Big Papi's Tacos, opening soon at 201 E. Middle Lane. Last night, they were all lit. Still to come is the exterior signage. Stay tuned for an opening date!

Assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda on March 14, 2025. The incident was reported at 3:47 PM at the mall. This is the second assault at the mall so far this year. There were 11 in 2024, 5 in 2023, and 12 in 2022.

Virginia beats Maryland in January job growth

Virginia hammered Maryland in job growth once again in January 2025. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Virginia added 7,100 jobs in January, while Maryland only created 4,900. The BLS also revised Virginia's numbers from December upward, with the Old Dominion's jobs-added figure rising from 4,900 to 14,200. Maryland had infamously only gained a paltry 200 jobs in December.

“More Virginians are working than ever in the Commonwealth as jobs and opportunity continue to expand in Virginia,” Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said in a statement Tuesday. “In January, the Commonwealth added 7,100 nonfarm jobs, building on the upwardly revised job gains in December. This performance underscores the success of our pro-business policies and our ongoing focus on workforce development, which are providing Virginia companies the talent they need to grow and Virginians with the opportunities to succeed.”