Derwood home invasion invader posed as package deliveryman, police say

A frightening and brazen home invasion in Derwood Friday was attempted by a man posing as a package deliveryman, Montgomery County police said. The man rang the doorbell at a home in the 7200 block of Titonka Way carrying a package and wearing a UPS/Fed Ex-style deliveryperson uniform. Believing a package was being delivered, the homeowner answered the door, only to have the man draw a gun.

The homeowner called out to a second resident inside the home. At this point, the invader forced his way into the foyer of the house, and threatened that he would kill both residents, police say. He then pushed one resident, and pistol whipped the other. The second resident was treated for injuries resulting from being struck on the head by the gun.

Alleged Derwood home invader (at far left) runs
to getaway white van
(top photo)

After the assault, the invader turned and fled the residence, dropping his box in the driveway as he ran. He leaped into a white Ford van and sped off, his run and getaway being recorded all the while by a neighbor's doorbell camera. Unless the footage was edited, it also appears a second individual was driving the white van, as it moves after the suspect is already at the door of the invaded home.

Anyone with information about this suspect or this home invasion robbery is asked to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5100.

Lego "coming soon" signage, luggage store opens, Mattress Warehouse moving at Montgomery Mall

Highly-anticipated new addition to Westfield Montgomery Mall Lego Store has posted some "coming soon" signage at its future Bethesda location, opening this summer. The floor-to-ceiling screens mark off a storefront of significant size.

Meanwhile, in a potential case of unfortunate timing, a luggage store has opened between Nordstrom and Hanna Andersson on Level 1 just as coronavirus threatens to bring travel to a halt worldwide. Having said that, the luggage is of high quality, and now might be the time to stock up at better prices for future vacations.

Finally, mattresses are always big news in a bedroom community like economically-moribund Montgomery County, compared to the booming job centers elsewhere in our region. Mattress Warehouse is gearing up to move to the other side of the same wing it's in now.

Top Bethesda Land Rover repair business moving to Rockville

One of downtown Bethesda's most unique auto repair shops is relocating to Rockville. Independent Land Rover Specialists will shortly move its Bradley Boulevard Liberty gas station and River Road facilities into a new 12500 SF space at 5334 Marinelli Road in the White Flint area. The new location is within walking distance of the White Flint Metro station.

Aside from its proximity to one of the largest clusters of Land Rover owners in the region, Independent established its business servicing just Land Rovers, and every Land Rover - whether you own a 1948 or a 2020 Range Rover Velar. Rover aficionados in Bethesda will miss seeing the varied collection of vehicles parked outside their Liberty shop, but Rockville will be seeing more Land Rovers than ever now.

Strong-arm robbery on Woodglen Drive in Rockville

A victim reported a strong-arm robbery on Woodglen Drive around 8:30 PM Wednesday night to Montgomery County police, crime data indicates. The victim was in a car at the time of the robbery, records state.

Rockville Mayor & Council to dedicate new Swim Center upgrades March 1

Rockville's Mayor and Council will be on hand this Sunday, March 1, 2020, at 2:00 PM to dedicate the renovated Rockville Swim Center at 355 Martins Lane. Improvements include an updated lobby and expanded locker room facilities. Work continues on further updates at the swim center. Sunday's event is free, and open to the public.

Pickpocket at Shady Grove Hospital

A pickpocket incident was reported to Montgomery County police at Shady Grove Hospital. The victim or victims had their pockets picked in the 9900 block of Medical Center Drive around 4:52 PM, according to crime data. Everybody check your pockets!

Montgomery County Board of Education candidate forum scheduled for March 16

A Montgomery County Board of Education candidate forum has been scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2020 at 6:30 PM at the Potomac Community Center, located at 11315 Falls Road in Potomac. Candidates vying for the three open seats on the board have been invited to participate.

Thirteen candidates are competing for the At-Large seat; the two top vote-getters in that April 28 primary race will advance to the General Election in November. The two candidates running in each of the District races are unopposed, and will face-off in the General Election. Key issues are the school system's funding and budget, the achievement gap, academic decline over the last decade, student safety and a highly-controversial redistricting study now underway that some on the current board have openly said should include the forced busing of students to schools outside of their communities.

The forum's sponsors include the Montgomery County Federation of Republican Women and its four clubs, as well as the GOP Asian-American Association and the Republican Legislative District 15 Political Action Committee.