5 robbers gang up on victim in Rockville

Five would-be robbers ganged up on a man in Rockville on August 20, 2025, Montgomery County police report. The man was confronted by five men in the 12400 block of Parklawn Drive at 10:11 PM. They allegedly assaulted him, and attempted to steal his money, but were unsuccessful. Police did not say how the victim managed to outwit and out-muscle his five opponents.

The suspects are described only as 4 Black males of unknown age, and a fifth man of unknown age who is either Black or Hispanic. If you can identify any of the suspects, or have any information about this case, call police at (301) 279-8000. 

Assault reported at Robert Frost Middle School in Rockville

Rockville City police were called to Robert Frost Middle School at 9201 Scott Drive yesterday morning, August 29, 2025. Someone reported having been the victim of a 2nd-degree assault there at 7:58 AM Friday. Police were dispatched to the school at 11:51 AM.

Cyclist and pedestrian clash on sidewalk in Rockville

A bicyclist and a pedestrian entered into a standoff that ended in an assault on a sidewalk in Rockville on August 19, 2025. Rockville City police say the two individuals encountered each other on a sidewalk in the 12500 block of Parklawn Drive at 3:37 PM. They allegedly proceeded to argue about which of them had the right-of-way on the sidewalk. The pedestrian then blocked the cyclist's path forward, police say, and kicked one of the bicycle's tires. In response, the cyclist allegedly knocked away the pedestrian's phone, which was damaged when it landed on the ground. 

Tron: Ares poster at Regal Cinemas Rockville

A poster for Tron: Ares on display at Regal Cinemas Rockville Center at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue. The third film in the Tron franchise opens October 10, 2025. 

Foot Locker construction begins at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

The interior fit-out of Foot Locker's new space is underway at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Now the location of the new space is clear, as "coming soon" signage has been placed across the future storefront. The new store will open this fall, just in time for the big holiday shopping season, and will include a Kids Foot Locker. Foot Locker can currently be found two doors to the left, in its temporary location between AT&T and Macy's Home.

3 new Dunkin' Donuts locations to open in Rockville

Rockville is getting three more Dunkin' Donuts stores. The first will be at 4011-C Norbeck Road, in the former Sassy Cleaners space. The second will be at 2401 Wootton Parkway in Rockshire. And the third will open at 17700 Muncaster Road in Derwood. All three will be operated by franchisee Luis Group Management, which is based right here in Montgomery County.

Below Zero opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Below Zero is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The cold therapy skincare boutique missed its expected spring opening date, but is now here in time for fall and the holiday shopping season. Its products are targeted at those who want to look younger and extend their lives, which is just about everybody, right? The interior fit-out of the boutique is quite nice, with upscale marble finishes.

"Many animal species live longer at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures," Below Zero notes. "Researchers found that the sense of cold activates a genetic program that enhances lifespan. The research shows that enzymes and hormonal frameworks have a role in reactions to low temperatures, which affects aging and lifespan." Look for Below Zero on Level 2 of the mall, between California Pizza Kitchen and Avalon Nails-Hair-Lashes, right outside of Nordstrom.

Kami Ramen Bar coming soon to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Kami Ramen Bar is coming soon to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It will be opening its latest location in the mall's Dining Terrace food court, right next to Cinnabon. This will be at least the second try for a ramen bar inside the food court, with Ejji Ramen lasting just over a year. The description of Kami Ramen Bar provided by Westfield matches that of a small chain that currently operates four locations in Tennessee. Those spots get high marks from locals in the Volunteer State. Kami Ramen Bar says it offers a "true taste of Japan. We are crazy about making ramen noodles!"

Maman Joon Kitchen to open at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Maman Joon Kitchen is coming soon to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The authentic Persian kabob restaurant will be located in the space most recently home to Brio's Chicken, but best known as the longer-term home of Tara Thai. That is on Level 2 next to the entrance from the parking deck. Maman Joon has six existing locations, and this will be its second in Montgomery County.

Most of the spices employed in the dishes at Maman Joon are imported from Iran, the local chain says. The dishes are based on family recipes handed down through generations. They also offer catering services. As for the name of the restaurant, Maman means “mom” and Joon means “soul, spirit of life.”

Assault at grocery store in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an assault at a grocery store early Saturday afternoon, August 23, 2025. The assault was reported at a supermarket in the 800 block of Rockville Pike at 12:10 PM. There is a Food Lion on that block. An individual was accused of theft in the same incident.

Marlo Furniture confirms it is closing in Rockville

I reported back in July that Marlo Furniture's showroom space at 725 Rockville Pike was being marketed for lease. Images in the marketing materials at that time showed Marlo's logos removed from the building. Now the furniture retailer has made it official: The Rockville store is closing. In fact, after 70 years in business, Marlo is closing all of its stores.

The chain hasn't continually been run by the same people over those 7 decades, however. Marlo was acquired by Regency Furniture in 2012. Regency continued to operate some of the stronger Marlo locations under the Marlo name through this year. A liquidation sale - which Marlo is referring to as its "final Labor Day sale ever - is now underway.

Police officers assaulted at public library in Rockville

Rockville City police were called to the Rockville Memorial Library at 21 Maryland Avenue on August 19, 2025. A case of indecent exposure was reported at the library at 2:07 PM. That is located at The Square at Rockville in Rockville Town Center. Officers apparently engaged in a struggle with the suspect after arriving at the library.

A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged with two felony counts of 2nd-degree assault of a law enforcement officer, a felony count of disarming a law enforcement officer, and indecent exposure. He posted a $5000 unsecured bond, an amount set by Montgomery County District Court Judge John C. Moffett. Maryland court records do not yet indicate that he is free on bail, however.

Police respond to Metro station assault in Rockville

Rockville City police were called to a Metro station on August 19, 2025, after someone reported having been the victim of an assault there in broad daylight. The assault occurred at the Twinbrook Metro station at 3:37 PM Tuesday. It took place in the station's parking lot. At least one individual was also accused of causing property damage in the same incident.

French laser firm chooses Virginia over Maryland for U.S. headquarters

Say it isn't so! Montgomery County and Maryland have lost yet another economic development competition to Arlington County and Virginia. French laser firm Cailabs SAS wanted to move its U.S. headquarters out of Washington, D.C., but remain in the region. It announced yesterday that it had chosen the booming Rosslyn area of Arlington as the destination for the company's U.S. operations. Cailabs will move into 4,200-square-feet of office space at the gleaming Class A office building at 1530 Wilson Boulevard. The company will also add 16 new employees.

Many of Cailabs' employees hold PhDs, and the company has filed over 25 patents. It specializes in the design and manufacturing of advanced laser-light products for the defense, aerospace, telecommunications, and manufacturing industries. The Rosslyn location provides quick access to both Reagan National and Dulles International airports, as well as Metro and I-66. Montgomery County and Maryland could have had direct access to Dulles and I-66, but chose to cancel the new Potomac River crossing to Dulles, and the Northwest Freeway, which would have connected to I-66 in Rosslyn. Doh!

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin toasted his victory Wednesday, as Maryland Governor Wes Moore was declared America's "most-disappointing governor" by economist Anirban Basu, and Moore's chief-of-staff jumped ship as the state's fiscal crisis continues to slam up against its moribund economy and high crime. With plummeting poll numbers, Moore could only look on with envy, in the reflection of fellow White House aspirant Youngkin's stunning laser light show across the Potomac.

“Cailabs’ decision to relocate their U.S. headquarters to Virginia shows that the Commonwealth remains the premier location for global tech companies looking to expand their footprint in the Americas,” Youngkin said in a statement yesterday. “Virginia’s exceptional talent, reliable infrastructure, and proximity to key federal and defense partners gives companies like Cailabs a strategic advantage as they continue to innovate and expand. The Commonwealth is proud to support Cailabs’ mission of paving the way to a bright future with the power of lasers.” 

“When Cailabs first decided to open a U.S. office, they chose Washington. Two years later, when they decided to stay in the US, they chose Virginia. That decision speaks volumes,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “Logistically, economically, and strategically, Virginia remains the ideal location for tech companies looking to push boundaries and build a thriving business.” 

“Arlington cordially says ‘Bienvenue’ to Cailabs on their decision to establish their U.S. headquarters in Rosslyn, at the heart of our nation’s capital region,” Arlington County Board Chair Takis Karantonis said. “By choosing Arlington, Cailabs joins a community where the nation’s best-prepared, innovative and talented workforce meets exceptional quality of life in an open, welcoming and forward-thinking culture. We are excited to add a leading new technology business to the dense fabric of transatlantic partnerships that connect, strengthen and advance economies, people and values. We look forward to seeing Cailabs grow and succeed here in Arlington.” 

“I’m delighted that Cailabs has chosen to relocate its U.S. headquarters to Arlington County,” said Senator Barbara Favola. “Arlington has leveraged the investments made by the Commonwealth to create a 21st century workforce. In addition to proximity to major airports and our nation’s capital, Arlington offers a world class public education system, great transit options, and a park in every neighborhood. I am sure that Cailabs will feel ‘right at home’ in the diverse and caring Arlington community.” 

Lululemon move postponed at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Lululemon is staying put in its current spot at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda for a little bit longer. The activewear company did not specify why its planned move is being delayed, but said it hopes to have a firm grand opening date by the end of August. In the meantime, their existing store remains  fully open for business. The new space, still walled off, is much larger than the current Lululemon store.

Ace Hardware "coming soon" to Rockville

Ace Hardware has posted "coming soon" signage at its future Rockville location at 835 Rockville Pike, at Wintergreen Plaza. Construction is well underway inside the space, which was formerly occupied by Gold's Gym. The store will only use the first floor level of the old gym, though. When it opens, this will be the first Ace Hardware store in Rockville. An excellent addition to Wintergreen Plaza that should boost traffic to the other businesses there, and a much-needed amenity for the City of Rockville.

Suspect arrested in rape at gas station in Rockville

Montgomery County police have arrested a suspect in the August 14, 2025 sexual assault that allegedly took place at a gas station in Rockville. Carlos St. James Hover, 34, of Washington, D.C. entered the gas station early that evening, police say, and allegedly assaulted and raped the victim inside. Hover was captured by police after officers responding to a bank robbery call the next morning in Wheaton recognized the suspect in that armed robbery because he was wearing some of the same distinctive pieces of clothing the previous night's rape victim had described to detectives.

Hover was transported to the County's Central Processing Unit where he was charged with first-degree rape, first-degree assault, armed robbery, resisting arrest, and other related crimes. He is being held without bond.

Photo courtesy Montgomery County Police Department

Police respond to assault at hotel in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an assault at a hotel on Saturday, August 16, 2025. The assault was reported at the Red Roof Inn at 16001 Shady Grove Road at 2:56 PM Saturday. A 37-year-old man was arrested. He has been charged with three counts of 2nd-degree assault, obstructing and hindering a police officer, and resisting arrest. The suspect is being held without bond at the Montgomery County jail, pending an October trial.

Rabid raccoon on the loose in Rockville

Rockville City police have received several reports of a rabid raccoon roaming the area around the Hungerford and Stoneridge neighborhoods, along Mount Vernon Place. They advise residents not approach or attempt to capture the animal. Keep pets and children indoors in that area, especially if not directly supervised by an adult, and ensure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations. If you see the raccoon or other suspicious wildlife activity, you are asked to call police at 240-314-8900. An Animal Services Unit will be dispatched to respond.

Photo courtesy Maryland DNR

Assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall Thursday afternoon, August 14, 2025. The assault was reported at the mall at 4:12 PM Thursday. This is the seventh assault police have responded to at the property this year. It had been a relatively quiet summer at the mall up until August 6, when the last assault took place during a shoplifting incident at a clothing store. There were 11 assaults reported at the popular retail center in 2024, 5 in 2023, and 12 in 2022, putting this year's numbers in line with last year's so far.

Sexual assault reported at gas station in Rockville

UPDATE - August 19, 2025, 5:51 PM: This article has been updated to indicate a suspect is now in custody.

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm sexual assault at a gas station in Rockville on Thursday evening, August 14, 2025. The assault was reported at a gas station in the 300 block of E. Gude Drive at 7:05 PM. A suspect was arrested the next morning during a bank robbery in Wheaton, after officers recognized the man matched the description of the suspect in this case.

Claire's closing at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

It's a sad day in the piercing industry. Claire's is closing at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. A closing sale is underway at the piercing and jewelry boutique. We can't blame the Montgomery County Council or their moribund County economy for this departure. Claire's has filed for bankruptcy, could wind up closing over 1000 locations nationwide. The company hopes to save itself via a sale of 800 other stores to a potential buyer, but if one can't be found, this could be the end of the line. Are they celebrating over at Piercing Pagoda?

ICE arrests illegal immigrant it says was convicted of assault in Rockville

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency says a Salvadoran national illegally in the U.S. has been arrested by its Baltimore field office in Maryland. ICE states that Jose Menendez, 46, was convicted of 2nd-degree assault here in Rockville. The agency says Menendez will remain in custody pending deportation proceedings. According to the ICE Online Detainee Locator System, he is currently being held at the Farmville ICE detention center in Farmville, Virginia.

Photo courtesy ICE

Rheinmetall chooses Virginia over Maryland for U.S. corporate HQ

Montgomery County and Maryland are experiencing another total humiliation on the economic development front. While both have failed to attract a major new corporate headquarters this century, Fairfax County and Virginia have just beaten them once again in the high-stakes contest for yet another major defense firm HQ. This time it is Rheinmetall, the German defense giant that is experiencing off-the-charts boom times, as it is arguably the biggest winner in Germany's push to rearm and create Europe's largest and strongest military. It is also one of the companies producing the most equipment for Ukraine in its war with Russia. Rheinmetall has just leased 10,000-square feet at Metro Place II at 2600 Park Tower Drive in Merrifield in Fairfax County, where it will not only locate its U.S. hub, but also one of its U.S. subsidiaries, American Rheinmetall Munitions, Inc.

Beyond the lighter tax and regulation burden of Northern Virginia, a look at the 2600 Park Tower Drive site itself tells much of the tale of Montgomery County's loss. Metro Place II sits directly beside the highway interchange of the Capital Beltway and Interstate 66, along both of which Virginia has invested enormously in tolled Express Lanes. The Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metro station is directly across the street from the new Rheinmetall HQ. Just south of the site are US 29 and US 50, as well as the enormously-successful Mosaic District with its retail, restaurants, and movie theater. 

A short drive southeast of the new Rheinmetall HQ in Fairfax is perhaps Montgomery County's biggest and most-humiliating economic development loss to Northern Virginia of this century, the Northrop Grumman headquarters. And zooming out on the map, we find one of the biggest factors that brought both defense firms to Fairfax County: direct access to Dulles International Airport. It's the only airport in the region to boast the variety of essential global business destinations - and the frequency of direct flights to them - demanded by international business executives.

One can only shake one's head, and wonder what could have been, had Montgomery County and Maryland had smarter and more-competent leadership this century. Imagine if we had built the new Potomac River crossing, to give all of our increasingly-empty office parks in the I-270 corridor the same kind of direct access to Dulles that Virginia has. Imagine if we had built the Rockville Freeway through North Bethesda, White Flint, Aspen Hill, and Layhill, connecting I-270 with MD 355 and the InterCounty Connector, and passing directly by the many Executive Boulevard area office parks and Pike & Rose. Imagine if we had made our tax and fee burden more competitive with our rivals in the region, and our leaders had used the time they spend opining on national politics on attracting business to our county and state.

Virginia doesn't have to imagine. It's where economic development dreams regularly come true, thanks to the humiliatingly-weak and bumbling efforts on our side of the river. Montgomery County? It's where business goes to die - or flee to nearby jurisdictions before it does.

"We are proud to welcome Rheinmetall to Merrifield in Fairfax County," Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay said in a statement. "Our community is a place where groundbreaking innovation, national security, and global collaboration intersect, and this investment represents a powerful statement about the future of defense and technology in our region. Rheinmetall brings a bold vision and cutting-edge capabilities that align with our community’s commitment to supporting mission-driven industries and advancing solutions that keep our nation secure. We are deeply honored that Rheinmetall has chosen Fairfax County as the hub for their continued growth, as this investment will not only strengthen the strategic national security partnerships that are so vital to global progress, but also the resiliency of our local and regional economies."

"Rheinmetall’s decision to establish significant presence in the Merrifield area of Fairfax County reinforces our position as a premier destination for global defense leaders seeking proximity to federal partners, a deep bench of tech talent, and a collaborative business environment," Fairfax County Economic Development Authority President and CEO Victor Hoskins said. "The opening of our new Washington, D.C., region office spaces underscores our rapid growth and committed investment in Rheinmetall’s U.S. operations," American Rheinmetall Defense CEO Stephen Hedger added.

Woman assaulted in church parking lot in Rockville

A woman was assaulted by a stranger in a church parking lot in Rockville on August 7, 2025. The female victim agreed to meet a friend at a church in the 600 block of Great Falls Road that evening, for the "repayment of money," Rockville City police say. However, when she arrived, she was confronted by an unknown male suspect, who allegedly assaulted her at 9:27 PM. Police have not released a description of the suspect as of this writing. If you have any information about this incident, or can identify the suspect involved, call police at 240-314-8900.

AH'HAAN by Bangkok Garden opening August 17 in Gaithersburg

AH'HAAN by Bangkok Garden has set an opening date of August 17, 2025 at 237-A Kentlands Boulevard in Gaithersburg. That is the former Good Fortune Cafe space, next to Supertooth. As you can see in the photo below, they will be serving Singha beer, "Thailand's original and best-loved premium beer since 1933." During the first week of operation, the Thai restaurant will be offering 20%-off your total bill if you agree to post a Google review of your dining experience - good, bad, or ugly. Ask your server for the review link when you have finished eating. The offer applies to both dine-in and takeout customers, and is good through August 24, 2025.