Rockville crime victim alleges China law enforcement officer is operating here

A complainant who alleged they were the victim of long-term currency fraud told Rockville City police that the suspect in the case was a law enforcement officer from the People's Republic of China, the Rockville City Police Department says. The alleged victim claimed to have been defrauded of unspecified currency between August 1, 2024, and June 23, 2025. They reported the alleged fraud to the RCPD three days ago on July 7, in the unit block of Maryland Avenue.

The alleged victim told officers that the unknown suspect was "Chinese law enforcement, who threatened action against the victim for defrauding others with fake investments." American officials have accused China of sending police officers to the U.S. to intimidate or harass Chinese dissidents, or to persuade Chinese expats who have committed crimes to return home to face charges. 

China has strongly denied engaging in such activity, and has said facilities U.S. officials have referred to as "police stations" in American cities with large Chinese populations are nothing more than volunteer-staffed service centers, which assist Chinese citizens or tourists overseas with basic matters like renewing driver's licenses. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. told Newsweek in 2023 that the accusations by U.S. officials have been "sheer political manipulation, and the purpose is to smear China's image."

Aggravated assault with firearm at restaurant in Derwood

Montgomery County police responded to a report of disorderly conduct at a restaurant in Derwood on July 4, 2025. The report came from a restaurant in the 15800 block of Frederick Road at 8:07 PM Friday. One or more suspects were accused of aggravated assault with a firearm, and of 2nd-degree assault, in the incident. There are a McDonald's and a Wendy's on that block of Frederick Road.

Police called after assault at Rockville restaurant

Rockville City police were called to a restaurant after someone was assaulted there on Wednesday morning, July 2, 2025. The assault was reported at a restaurant in the 14900 block of Shady Grove Road at 9:16 AM Wednesday. An emergency petition for an involuntary mental health evaluation was filed in relation to the incident.

Armed robbery at Montgomery County Liquor & Wine in Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in the Rockville Town Center area on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. It was reported at Montgomery County Liquor & Wine at 300 N. Washington Street at 7:53 PM. The store is owned and operated by the Montgomery County government liquor monopoly. No suspect descriptions have been released as of this writing.

Squatters strike again in Rockville

The squatting phenomenon continues to build momentum in Maryland, and most recently in the City of Rockville. Two men somehow gained access to an apartment building in the unit block of Monroe Place in Rockville Town Center on an unspecified date, Rockville City police report. They "took up residency" in a vacant unit in the building. A staff member of the property eventually discovered the squatters after unlocking that apartment's door at 12:15 PM on June 29, 2025, and told them they had to leave. Police determined the two squatters were homeless.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore and legislators had promised to take swift action on squatting, but have appeared impotent to stop it this summer. State Delegate Mike Griffith (R) said yesterday that he will be introducing legislation in the state legislature next year to close loopholes that currently blur the line between a legal tenant and a squatter. He told WBFF Fox 45 that a business client of his currently has squatters living in five of his Maryland properties. "It’s 100% a multimillion-dollar issue here in the state that we need to address," Griffith said.

Montgomery County police bust up Germantown crack ring

The 5th District Community Action Team of the Montgomery County Police Department has busted up an alleged crack ring operating in Germantown. Many citizen complaints have been received by the department about the sale of illegal narcotics in the 19500 block of Gunners Branch Road. In response, DCAT, in coordination with the department's Special Investigations Division and the 5th District Special Assignment Team, launched an investigation into this last fall. The work of many months culminated on June 25, 2025, when County officers raided three residences, and recovered a cache of firearms, money, and drugs.

Police arrested Duane Shelton, 46, of Germantown; Kevin Patton, 44, of Germantown; Anre Russell, 39, of Takoma Park; Michael Marshall, 37, of Gaithersburg; and Alexander Burch, 48, of Petersburg, Virginia. Shelton, Patton, and Russell are all being held without bond; Marshall was released on bond, and Burch was released on his own recognizance. All five have been charged with multiple controlled-dangerous-substance charges; police did not specify if firearms charges are pending.

Officers seized five vehicles; four firearms; distribution amounts of crack, PCP, and MDMA; and $43,000 in cash. One evidence photo appears to show a bulletproof vest. Detectives say that their investigation into this ring and activity are not over, however. The criminal activity alleged is on a level sophisticated enough that the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN) and the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy are involved, and providing inter-agency data and support.

Duane Shelton

Kevin Patton

Anre Russell

Michael Marshall

Alexander Burch

Photos courtesy MCPD

Armed carjacking in Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed carjacking in Rockville early Thursday morning, June 26, 2025. The carjacking was reported in the 10000 block of Darnestown Road at 4:17 AM Thursday. It took place in a commercial parking lot.

Strong-arm carjacking in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of a strong-arm carjacking in the Twinbrook Forest neighborhood late Saturday night. The carjacking and assault were reported in the 400 block of Meadow Hall Road at 11:10 PM Saturday. That is in the vicinity of the original Carl Sandburg Elementary School/Learning Center. 

Armed robbery in Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in a residential neighborhood of Rockville early Thursday morning, June 19, 2025. The robbery was reported in the 14400 block of Parkvale Road at 1:01 AM Thursday. That is off of Baltimore Road, near Rock Creek.

Squatter takes up residence in Rockville home

A squatter took up residence in a Rockville home for three days last weekend, before Rockville City police were called to the property. The suspect, whom police said is homeless, was inside a vacant home in the 300 block of Howard Avenue from 4:30 PM on June 13, 2025 to 4:00 PM on June 16. New attention is being paid to the phenomenon of squatting across Maryland in recent weeks, as the activity has spiked in Baltimore and other parts of the state. In some cases, people in genuine need of shelter are taking the initiative on their own, but many recent cases in the Baltimore area have involved organized squatting networks operating online, who are taking money from the squatters in exchange for house keys and falsified documents.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) told WBFF Fox 45 TV in Baltimore that his administration is "taking immediate action" on the issue. Maryland Delegate Ryan Nowrocki (R) disputed the governor's claim. "We have done nothing at the state level to address squatting in Maryland," Nowrocki responded in an interview with Fox 45. "I understand that the governor is making all kinds of claims about this issue, but at the end of the day, the governor is certainly entitled to his own opinion on the matter, but not entitled to his own set of facts. The facts are that squatting is out of control, and frankly, we have no law-and-order in this state right now, and that is partly the governor’s fault."

Early morning assault in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an aggravated assault yesterday morning, June 15, 2025. The assault was reported in the 100 block of Talbott Street at 4:30 AM Sunday. It was reported along the street, which runs from Rockville Pike past the Talbott Center and several apartment complexes.

Police scuffle with suspicious man outside of Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville

Montgomery County police, on heightened alert after an antisemitic firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado two weeks ago, observed a man circling the parking lot at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville at 2:54 PM on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Officers noticed the man's vehicle did not have a student pickup pass displayed. The officers, who were off-duty and assigned to security at the school, directed the driver to exit the parking lot. However, the man then drove back into the lot.

According to police, the officers ordered the man to stop. The man allegedly ignored the officers, and drove through cones into the student pickup line, toward oncoming cars. He then stopped the vehicle, but refused to get out of the car when ordered to by the officers. The man declined to answer questions about his identity, or what his purpose was in being on school property. 

Officers then attempted to forcibly remove him from the vehicle. He allegedly resisted, and then became combative. Officers struggled to subdue him, and noticed a pocket knife fall out of the man's clothing. After a brief scuffle, in which two officers suffered minor injuries, they arrested the man.

Joseph Amr Khairy Abdalla, 38, of Germantown has been charged with multiple counts of assault, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He is being held without bond at the County jail. Yesterday, the court called for Abdalla to undergo a Maryland Department of Health inpatient competency examination. This is typically ordered to determine if a defendant is competent to stand trial. A trial has been scheduled for July 29, 2025 in Montgomery County District Court in Rockville.

Police say that at this stage of the investigation, they have not yet found evidence that Abdalla intended to harm anyone at the school, but did not elaborate on the findings that led to that conclusion. Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada praised his officers for their vigilance and quick action at the school on Thursday. “The actions of these officers shows our heightened efforts to protect our community and the courage of officers to take decisive action for the safety of all,” Yamada said in a statement.

Shooting in Rockville Town Center

UPDATE - 9:59 AM - June 14, 2025: Rockville City police have identified the two suspects who were arrested following the shooting:  Caleb Jiron, 18, of Frederick, and Freddy Gonzalez-Soto, 18, of Montgomery Village. Both men were allegedly armed with "ghost guns," police said. They have been charged with   Attempted First Degree Murder, First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment, and multiple firearms violations. Police report that the victim remains hospitalized in stable condition.

UPDATE - 9:39 PM: Rockville City police have confirmed there is one victim in the shooting. The adult male victim was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds when he was encountered by officers in the 200 block of N. Washington Street shortly after 6:00 PM tonight, June 12, 2025. He was transported to a local hospital, where he is now in stable condition. Officers identified two suspects in the area, and arrested them.

However, the investigation is ongoing.  The 200 block of N. Washington St. will be closed for an extended period for that purpose. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at

Detectives@RockvilleMD.Gov or 240-314-8900. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Rockville City police are on the scene of a shooting in the Town Center area, the department announced minutes ago. Police say the shooting took place in the 200 block of N. Washington Street. "This is an active and evolving investigation," the department said in a statement. "Expect an increased police presence in the area."

Assault at 7-Eleven in Rockville

Montgomery County police are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating the suspect in the May 7, 2025 aggravated assault at the 7-Eleven store at 11530-G Rockville Pike. Shortly before 7:30 PM that evening, police say, the suspect entered the store and dispensed a soft drink for himself at the soda fountain. When he allegedly began to drink the soda without paying for it, an employee confronted him to state that the beverages are not free. The suspect responded by striking the employee, police allege, and then began throwing merchandise at store employees. He proceeded to flee the store.

However, police say he then attempted to reenter the convenience store. Employees held the doors shut so that he could not. The suspect then pulled out a firearm and threatened to shoot them. But he instead ran toward the White Flint Metro station.

Police describe the suspect as a Black male, approximately 6'3" in height, with black hair and a beard. He was wearing black pants, a green shirt, a gray jacket, and a black Washington Commanders sweatshirt. The suspect was also carrying a pink shoulder bag and a black backpack.

Anyone with information regarding this suspect or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org (http://www.crimesolversmcmd.org/) and click on the “www.p3tips.com (http://www.p3tips.com/)” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is offered for information leading to the suspects’ arrest. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

New 6th District Montgomery County police station officially opens in Gaithersburg

Montgomery County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the new 6th District County police station in Gaithersburg this week. County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Kate Stewart were among the dignitaries to christen the new station, which is located at 222 Paramount Park Drive in the Watkins Mill Town Center area. 

Developers never delivered the promised movie theater, upscale restaurant, or even the actual "town center" of Watkins Mill Town Center, but did rake in all the profits from the residential housing portion of the development. Heckuva job, Brownie! New residents did get a Royal Farms gas station, a Starbucks, and now the police station, however. They'll likely welcome the latter, given the ongoing crime wave that has bedeviled the county since the summer of 2020.

“The new 6th District Police Station is an important project for the County that will strengthen critical emergency services to our residents in an area that has seen tremendous growth,” Elrich said in a statement this morning. “The Gaithersburg area has seen a great deal of development over the years, and as the community changes, the demand changes. We recognized the importance of adapting to the needs of a growing community, and this station is a testament to our ability to meet those needs. The new station will help to improve the safety and security of residents and businesses and address our current and future needs for the decades to come.” 

Almost 200 department staff and volunteers may be on-site at any given time. The station will serve as the base for investigative units, as well as the Central Traffic Unit, which was established in July 2021. It also features a public space "designed to foster engagement, collaboration and dialogue within the community." 

Burglars target Rockville's newest neighborhood

Burglars gave themselves a private tour of several homes at Rockville's newest neighborhood, the Farmstead District, located at 2590 Farmstead Drive, last week. The development is adjacent to King Farm, and is just south of Shady Grove Road. Rockville City police say that one or more burglars entered at least five homes that are under construction in the 2500 block of Farmstead Drive, and stole unspecified property from the interiors. The burglaries are believed to have taken place between 9:00 PM on May 28, 2025, and 9:00 AM on May 29. 

Police do not have any suspect descriptions. If you have any information that can assist detectives in identifying these suspects, call police at 240-314-8900.

Rockville names Jason West Rockville City police chief

The City of Rockville has named Interim Police Chief Jason West as the permanent chief of the Rockville City Police Department. City Councilmember Adam Van Grack announced the appointment on social media this evening. "Chief West is an incredible leader, dedicated officer, and wonderful person," Van Grack wrote on Facebook. "I am truly proud to have him leading our Police Department." Chief West replaces the previous chief, Victor Brito, who resigned last October. 

Photo courtesy Councilmember Adam Van Grack

D.C. juvenile breaks into 2 businesses in Rockville in 1 day

Maryland's weak juvenile justice laws were on display once again in the MD 355 corridor on May 22, 2025. Montgomery County police report that a 13-year-old boy from Washington, D.C. broke into two businesses in Rockville that day. The businesses were Jiffy Lube Multicare at 15121 Frederick Road, and Nationwide Car Center at 12316 Wilkins Avenue. Officers found evidence of forced entry at both buildings, but determined that nothing had been stolen from either business. The suspect was arrested that afternoon, but would have to have been released to a parent or guardian under Maryland law.

Rockville ride-sharing driver ghosts passenger after devious theft

A ride-sharing passenger had a lighter load after arriving at their destination in the Woodley Gardens area of Rockville on the morning of May 22, 2025, Rockville City police report. The victim exited the car, but the driver allegedly sped off with the victim's belongings before they could be retrieved from the vehicle. When the victim attempted to contact the driver through the ride-sharing app, in case it had been an honest mistake, the driver ghosted the victim and ceased responding. The incident took place in the 600 block of Warfield Drive at 8:28 AM. Police have not released the identity of the driver, and have not identified the ride-sharing company in question.

Teen girls arrested after assault in Rockville park

Two teenage girls were arrested following an altercation in the King Farm area of Rockville on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Rockville City police were called to investigate a 2nd-degree assault at King Farm Park at 401 Watkins Pond Boulevard at 2:50 PM Sunday. Officers took a 17-year-old girl and a 13-year-old girl into custody. Their cases will be handled through the juvenile justice system. Police have not yet indicated who was victimized in the alleged assault.