Police investigate gunfire in Rockville park

Rockville City police are investigating a shots-fired incident in a park in the King Farm area of the city on March 11, 2025. Around 8:54 PM that evening, an unknown suspect discharged a firearm in King Farm Park, located at 401 Watkins Pond Boulevard. No injuries were reported. Police do not currently have a description of the suspect. If you can assist in this investigation, call police at 240-314-8900.

Rockville land auction underway for I-270-adjacent plot

An auction of a unique commercial property adjacent to I-270 in Rockville is underway online, and will conclude today, February 26, 2025, at 12:00 PM. You can follow the action online this morning, even if you are not in a financial position to bid. The off-ramp to Redland Boulevard on the northbound side of the highway wraps around the plot. As of this writing, the top bid for the 2.09 acre site is $325,000. A previously-scheduled auction of the property in mid-January apparently was postponed, or failed to draw a qualifying bid. 

The property would be ideal for any business that wants to have visibility, and possible logo signage exposure, from heavily-traveled I-270. Less than ideal are the ingress/egress possibilities onto a one-way off-ramp, and the blind curve for traffic rounding the bend to reach Redland Boulevard. And while access from I-270 would be quick and excellent, getting onto the interstate from the site would be a logistical chore.

Rockville property adjacent to I-270 to be auctioned off

A high-visibility 2.09 acres of land in Rockville, directly wrapped around by an I-270 off-ramp, will be auctioned off in 29 days. The site is best suited for office or corporate use by a tenant who wants their brand logo seen by the 206,882 vehicles that pass by it each day. If you are familiar with using the exit to Redland Boulevard in King Farm, this is the wooded area to your right as you make the curve, with the Sheraton hotel being on your left. 

One question not immediately addressed by the auction listing is where the ingress and egress location(s) for the site will be. If there is no existing easement with property to the south of the parcel, vehicles entering and exiting would have to use the ramp, which is one-way only. That would also present a safety challenge, with traffic rounding a bend that often exceeds the posted speed for the off-ramp. Depending on the structures built, that could remain a blind curve for those exiting I-270. The ingress/egress issues might also limit the site's utility as a small distribution center, or for any business involving high levels of vehicular traffic.

Photos courtesy Transwestern

Rockville police searching for suspect who sexually assaulted woman

Rockville City police are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating a suspect who allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in the King Farm neighborhood on November 28, 2024. Around 2:00 PM that day, the male suspect approached a female pedestrian at the intersection of Redland Boulevard and Reserve Champion Drive. According to police, the suspect grabbed the victim in a "bear hug," and "repeatedly thrust himself in a sexual motion."

The victim began filming the suspect using her cell phone. When the suspect realized he was being recorded, he grabbed her phone and smashed it, before fleeing on foot. Police describe the suspect as a Black male, 20 to 29 years of age, and about 6' in height. He was clean-shaven with an "athletic-build." At the time of the assault, he was wearing gray sweatpants, a black hoodie, and a beanie-style knit hat with a pattern on it. If you can identify the suspect, or have any other information about this incident, call police at 240-314-8900.

Unnecessary roughness as Rockville youth football game ends with assault

Football turned into a footbrawl in the King Farm area of Rockville on October 26, 2024, Rockville City police report. A youth football game was played in the 1800 block of Piccard Drive that afternoon. Near the end of the game at 3:00 PM, police say, a player on one team allegedly assaulted a 12-year-old boy on the opposing team. As this was a juvenile incident, no further information is likely to be released.

Rockville thief uses Aldi bag to shoplift at Safeway

An alleged shoplifter at the Safeway at 403 Redland Boulevard in Rockville had the nerve to use a competitor's shopping bag, Rockville City police report. The suspect allegedly stole a large quantity of meat and household goods at 8:44 PM on September 6, 2024. Police describe the suspect only as a Black male with a full beard and dreadlocks, carrying a green Aldi bag. If you can identify the suspect, or have any information about this incident, call police at 240-314-8900.

Pickpocket strikes at Rockville grocery store

Watch your wallet! Rockville City police were called after a victim's pocket was picked at the Safeway at 403 Redland Boulevard in the King Farm Village Center Sunday night, August 11, 2024. The theft was reported at the supermarket at 7:00 PM Sunday. Next, the thief apparently attempted to make purchases with the victim's credit card at a convenience store.

Police called after assault at Rockville grocery store

Rockville City police were called to a grocery store at the King Farm Village Center, after an individual was allegedly assaulted there Saturday night, July 13, 2024. The assault was reported at the Safeway store at 403 Redland Boulevard at 9:05 PM. An individual was also accused of shoplifting in the same incident.

Aldi opening in July at Walnut Hill in Gaithersburg (Photos)

Construction has accelerated in the final phase at the Aldi grocery store opening soon at 737 S. Frederick Avenue at the Walnut Hill Shopping Center in Gaithersburg. The store, which is the center's new anchor tenant, is now expected to open on July 24, 2024, according to Google. Signage is up on the storefront, and checkout counters and shelving are in place inside. Operating hours have been posted on the door. This Aldi is likely to draw many customers from communities like King Farm and Upper Rock in Rockville, as well as from Derwood, as it will be more convenient than the 1501 Rockville Pike location.

Police called after assault at Rockville grocery store

Rockville City police were called to a grocery store in the King Farm community on Friday afternoon, May 3, 2024, after someone reported having been the victim of a 2nd-degree assault there. The assault was reported at 4:00 PM Friday at the Safeway store at 403 Redland Boulevard. That is in the King Farm Village Center.

Rockville couple victimized in Facebook property scam

A Rockville couple fell victim to a Facebook scammer who targeted those seeking rental housing in the area, Rockville City police say. The couple, who live in King Farm, responded to a recent Facebook Marketplace ad offering a property for rent. They were told to electronically send cash deposits prior to viewing the property, police allege.

The couple then scheduled a property tour. When they arrived at the property at the appointed time, they found it was not actually available for rent, and the Facebook scammer was nowhere to be found. Residents should be on guard for such scams on Facebook and other websites with anonymous property listings. Do not pay any money upfront before you can confirm the legitimacy of a transaction or offer.

Car stripped of all wheels in Rockville parking garage

A car was stripped of its wheels in a Rockville parking garage on April 5, 2024, Rockville City police say. At 3:05 AM that morning, two unknown suspects drove a silver hatchback into a garage in the 100 block of King Farm Boulevard. While the getaway driver waited, the second suspect emerged from the vehicle wearing a mask and gloves. The masked suspect smashed the window of a car, and retrieved a wheel lock key from inside. They then proceeded to steal all four wheels from the car.

Thief ransacks unlocked vehicles in Rockville neighborhood

A thief "ransacked" several unlocked vehicles parked in the King Farm neighborhood, Rockville City police say. The cars were parked in the 1100 block of Pleasant Drive, and were not damaged. Police say the unknown suspect managed to find a vehicle key, loose change, a sun shade, and a flashlight.

The thefts occurred on March 28 or 29, 2024. Remember to lock your vehicle, remove all valuables visible through windows, and never leave your keys in the ignition or glove compartment. 

Mystery suspect cuts cable to golf cart backup camera in Rockville

Rockville City police are looking for an unknown suspect who took a bizarre action in the King Farm neighborhood. Sometime between 2:00 PM on March 1, 2024 and 11:00 AM on March 4, an unidentified person cut the cable to the backup camera of a golf cart parked in the 300 block of Saddle Ridge Circle. That is near the King Farm Citizens Assembly Community Center Clubhouse. Anyone who has information regarding the suspect or this incident is asked to call police at 240-314-8900.

Vandals go wild with fire extinguishers inside vacant Rockville office building

Vandals broke into a vacant Rockville office building, and hosed down the interior with fire extinguishers on January 29, 2024, Rockville City police report. The two suspects forced their way into the building in the 2000 block of Gaither Road at 2:15 PM that afternoon, and damaged two doors. This may have been related to an arson incident that same day in another vacant building in the same office park. Both buildings are among several slated for demolition in a delayed redevelopment project at the property.

Police describe Suspect 1 as a Hispanic male with a medium build, wearing glasses, a black beanie, a black jacket, and black pants. Suspect 2 is described as a Hispanic male, also with a medium build, wearing a black jacket and blue jeans. Anyone who has information regarding the suspects or this incident is asked to call police at 240-314-8900.

Rockville police seek baby formula thief

A thief who fled a Rockville Safeway store clutching bags loaded down with baby formula is now being sought by Rockville City police. The suspect entered the supermarket at 403 Redland Boulevard in the King Farm Village Center around 8:23 AM on Sunday, December 17, 2023. Environmentally conscious, he allegedly filled several reusable shopping bags with baby formula, and exited the store with his haul.

Police are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating the suspect. He is described by police as a Black male, 28 to 30 years old and 6' in height, with a medium build, black hair, full beard, and a medium complexion. The suspect was wearing black New Balance pants, a blue-and-black quarter-zip Under Armour "sweater" with the hood up, and blue athletic shoes. Anyone who has information about the suspect or this incident is asked to call police at 240-314-8900.

Rockville burglar takes time to shave while inside home

A burglar broke into a Rockville house last week, and made himself at home, Rockville City police say. Officers found evidence that the burglar spent significant time inside the residence in the 100 block of King Farm Boulevard between August 25 and September 3, 2023. The suspect used a razor to shave, and left behind other items that suggested the suspect temporarily took up residence in the home. When finally departing, the well-groomed burglar stole electronics, gift cards, and even some food from the unwitting "host." If you have any information about this incident or suspect, call Rockville police at 240-314-8900.

Aggravated assault with gun in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an aggravated assault with a gun in the King Farm area early yesterday morning, August 30, 2023. The assault was reported in the 100 block of Pasture Side Place at 12:50 AM.

New Rockville townhome community draws inspiration from adjacent historic farm

One of the last remaining vestiges of Rockville's agricultural history is inspiring a future townhome community beginning construction next door. Developer EYA has decided on Farmstead District as the branding for the new community, which will rise on the former site of King Buick GMC at 16200 Frederick Road. A logo for the development somewhat resembles rows of crops as seen from above. Promotional banners for the Farmstead District have been placed on construction fencing around the site.

One can still see original farm buildings at the public King Farm Farmstead park at 16100 Frederick Road. The King dealership has just been demolished, and the property has been annexed into the City of Rockville.

EYA is playing up the farm theme with the tagline "A fresh take on the modern neighborhood." W. Lawson King acquired the farm in 1925, local historical preservation group Peerless Rockville says. He added surrounding farmland to create the 403-acre Irvington Farm, which at one point boasted the largest population of Holstein cows in the world, Miriam Bunow wrote for Peerless. Irvington was a milk supplier for Thompson's Dairy, a household name in the D.C. area for older generations. The heritage of the site will now be shared by Farmstead District residents and their neighbors at the King Farm development.

Rockville biotech clinical advisor receives highest honor from American Society of Clinical Oncology

Dr. Hagop M. Kantarjian, a member of the Clinical Advisory Board of Rockville biotech firm Ascentage Pharma, has received the highest honor bestowed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The organization presented Kantarjian the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award "for his lifelong contributions to leukemia clinical research and his dedication to improving the lives of patients" at its annual meeting, which is taking place through tomorrow in Chicago. Those who have received the Karnofsky award since its inception in 1970 have been oncologists who made outstanding contributions to cancer research, diagnosis, or treatment.

"Dr. Kantarjian has dedicated his life to saving and enhancing the lives of patients with leukemia, renewing hope to millions of patients with unmet medical needs," Ascentage Pharma Chairman Dajun Yang, MD, PhD said in a statement this morning. "For decades, he has been at the forefront of the oncology community's efforts to end cancer. We are privileged that Dr. Kantarjian has chosen to share his wise counsel with our organization while serving with honor and distinction on the Ascentage Pharma Clinical Advisory Board."

Ascentage Pharma was founded in 2009 in Suzhou, China. Its American office is in Three Irvington Centre, at 700 King Farm Boulevard in Rockville.