Police called after assault at Rockville store

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at a retail store on Rockville Pike Wednesday afternoon, February 14, 2024. The assault was reported at a store in the 700 block of Rockville Pike at 1:15 PM Wednesday.

Assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police were called to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda late Sunday afternoon, February 11, 2024, after someone reported being the victim of a 2nd-degree assault there. At least one individual was accused of shoplifting in the same incident. The assault was reported at 5:21 PM Sunday. Violent crime has been dropping at the mall over the last year. 12 assaults were reported at the popular retail center in 2022, 5 were reported in 2023, and Sunday's is the first reported in 2024.

Police target airbag thief who targets Honda Civics in Rockville

An airbag thief struck the Twinbrook Forest neighborhood in Rockville over several recent days, and focused primarily on Honda Civics. Windows of at least four Honda Civics, along with one Acura, were smashed. The thief was successful in getting away with four of the five airbags they attempted to steal. In the fifth case, Rockville City police say, a resident saw a suspect breaking the window of a Civic in the 2300 block of Ring Street at 8:12 PM on February 10, 2024. The thief apparently noticed the resident, and fled the scene before being able to remove the vehicle's airbag.

Police describe the suspect in that case as a male of unknown race, 5'6" in height, and wearing a black beanie. If you live in Twinbrook Forest, especially near the streets in question, perhaps you have doorbell or security camera footage of the beanie-wearing suspect you can forward to police. The thefts occurred on the following streets: 1600 block of Gruenther Avenue between 9:00 PM on February 6 and 6:30 AM on February 7; 300 block of Gruenther Avenue between 4:00 AM and 6:45 AM on February 7 (you could assume that the first incident may have taken place within, or close to, the same time window as the second); 1600 block of Forbes Street between 7:00 AM and 8:30 PM on February 10; and the failed attempt noted above in the 2300 block of Ring Street at 8:12 PM on February 10.

If you have information or video footage related to these thefts, you are asked to call police at 240-314-8900. Honda Civics are a popular target for airbag thieves, but not the only target. Experts recommend installing "The Club" or another anti-theft device on your steering wheel to discourage thieves, as well as installing or activating a car alarm, and parking in a well-lit area if possible.

7-Eleven cleared out at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

7-Eleven closed in the Dining Terrace food court at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda at the end of last month, as I reported January 30. Inventory was mostly cleaned off of shelves by February 7, but a lot of equipment and displays remained inside the darkened space. Now it has been cleared out and sealed off, in addition to the retractable metal barrier that could still be seen through last week. It's unclear why this location closed, as many have noted it was well-patronized during its short run at the mall, but the convenience store chain did close 184 stores nationwide last year.

February 7, 2024

February 7

February 7

Now sealed off

Hertz rent-a-car opens new Rockville location

Hertz rent-a-car has opened a new Rockville location. It is "just up the Pike" from their existing office, at 1052 Rockville Pike, in the Edmonston Crossing shopping center. Operating hours at the new location are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. Wow, those are limited hours - - you'll have to run like O.J. Simpson to get there before closing time.

Rockville Mayor & Council to be briefed on plan to replace church with townhomes

Rockville's Mayor and Council will receive a briefing on a proposal to demolish a church in the Twinbrook area of the city, and replace it with a new townhome development, at their meeting tonight, February 12, 2024 at 7:00 PM. Developer Pulte has proposed redeveloping the church property at 5906 Halpine Road with 36 "two-over-two" townhomes. No decision will be made tonight; the briefing is for information purposes only, and to allow the Mayor and Council to comment or provide feedback and suggestions to Pulte.  

At a future date to be determined, the Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing to allow residents and other stakeholders to comment. Then they would schedule a future vote on a resolution for rezoning the property, approving the Project Plan, and authorizing the necessary waivers for a side yard setback and layback slope for the project. 

Nearby residents have raised concerns about overflow parking, and the potential reduction of the setback required. The grade of the church property has also led to worries about drainage impacts from the future townhome site. Some residents of the adjacent townhome community are concerned that the contemporary design of the new townhomes could cast shadows onto their shorter homes. Many who have contacted City staff have also advocated for leaving the trees on the church property in place. Pulte's current plan would do that, and also plant additional trees as part of the new development's landscaping.

Rockville Lunar New Year celebration set for February 17, 2024

Save the date for the City of Rockville's annual Lunar New Year celebration this coming Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, at Rockville High School at 2100 Baltimore Road. Celebrate the good luck of the Year of the Dragon with live cultural performances, interactive displays, craft activities for kids, and to-go snack boxes (while supplies last). Admission is free. The event is co-sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Task Force.