Montgomery County police officer found guilty in January 6 case

A Montgomery County police officer was found guilty today by a U.S. Circuit Court judge in Washington, D.C. of charges stemming from the violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Officer Justin Lee, 25, of Rockville, was found guilty of two felony offenses: assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and civil disorder. Judge Trevor N. McFadden also found Lee guilty of the misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. Lee will be sentenced by Judge McFadden on November 22, 2024.

The Montgomery County Police Department issued a statement today in which it said that Lee was not yet employed by the County police force on January 6, 2021. It stated Lee's actions at the Capitol did not come to light through its standard background investigation when Lee was hired. Lee was relieved of his police powers while the case went to trial. The MCPD stated that Lee's employment by the department will now be terminated following today's guilty verdict. 

Lee was identified in 2023 by law enforcement officials who were reviewing video footage from the Capitol on January 6, 2021 after they first noticed his Maryland flag gaiter. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia specifically accused Lee of throwing two objects at officers who were trying to prevent people from entering the Capitol. One incendiary device produced a smoke cloud. Lee was also accused of pointing a flashlight beam at officers. 

Maryland AG won't charge Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies in fatal Rockville crash

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has decided not to press charges against two Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies in the fatal April 27, 2024 collision in Rockville, which occurred as they pursued a speeding vehicle on Rockville Pike (MD 355). The driver of the speeding Dodge sedan, whom Brown identified as Timothy Pack, collided with a Honda sedan at the intersection of MD 355 with Twinbrook Parkway. Jasmin Gimon, the driver of the Honda, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Pack escaped the deputies on foot, but was later located and arrested.

Brown said the Independent Investigations Division of his office reviewed all the evidence, and determined that neither deputy had broken any Maryland laws. As a result, Brown will not file charges against the deputies. 

KaFean Koffee opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda as PSL season begins at Starbucks

KaFean Koffee has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The upstart coffee and espresso kiosk has picked an interesting time to make its debut, as today is the official start of PSL season at Starbucks, which also has a location in the mall. KaFean Koffee serves coffee by Austrian coffee roaster Julius Meinl, as well as tea, hot chocolate, and fresh juices. Look for KaFean Koffee on Level 1 of the mall, near Kiehl's and the Lego store.

Assault in Rockville parking lot

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault in a parking lot early on the morning of August 18, 2024. The assault was reported in a commercial parking lot in the 700 block of Rockville Pike at 12:39 AM Sunday. At least one individual was also accused of weapons possession and disorderly conduct in the incident.

Burglar raids fridge in Rockville apartment

An apparently hungry thief raided a refrigerator in a Rockville apartment, Rockville City police report. Sometime between July 24 and August 7, 2024, the suspect smashed the rear door window of an apartment at David Scull Courts, in the 1200 block of First Street. They reached through the broken window to unlock the door from inside, and entered the apartment. The suspect then proceeded to steal several frozen food items from the refrigerator.

Police do not have a description of the unknown suspect at this time. If you have any information about this incident, or can identify the suspect, call police at 240-314-8900.

Police called after assault at Rockville office building

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at an office building early Friday evening, August 16, 2024. The assault was reported at an office property in the 700 block of Rockville Pike. The victim reported having been assaulted at 6:05 PM Friday.  

Squishable won't give up at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

The squishables are refusing to go at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Squishable closed a few weeks ago. Their sign was completely torn off, and the windows were papered over inside. But merchandise on the top shelf could still be seen inside. Yesterday, the sign was back in place, and the store's Google listing switched to say "Temporarily closed." Squishable is one undecisive company. Make up your mind already!