Westfield brings in new leadership at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, the owner of Westfield Montgomery Mall, has replaced several key leaders at the property just before the busiest shopping time of the year. Jason Dyer has been hired as the mall's Senior General Manager, Catherine Brady has been named the new Marketing Director, and Montgomery County Public Schools veteran Joe Damaia will be the new Facilities Director for the sprawling property. Dyer and Brady have successful track records at other Westfield malls, and Damaia was at MCPS for over 14 years of his more than three decades in mechanical and facilities operations.

Dyer's career has found him working with major brands like Victorinox, Sears, PAPYRUS, and GAP, in national and international markets, before joining URW in 2017, taking on management roles at Westfield malls on both coasts. He is bringing this experience to Montgomery Mall with the key goal of "delivering memorable customer experiences that foster loyalty and repeat engagement," URW said in a statement.

“I’m excited to collaborate with Catherine and Joe as we work to elevate Montgomery’s premier retail, dining and entertainment destination,” Dyer said in a statement. “With our varied expertise and established success in the industry, we’re well-positioned to continue shaping Westfield Montgomery into a vibrant hub for dining, retail, and cultural life in Montgomery County.”

Rockville road rage ends in arrest

A road rage incident in Rockville led to an arrest and multiple charges on November 13, 2024, Rockville City police report. The incident took place in the 1300 block of Edmonston Drive at 11:00 AM. A Rockville City police officer ultimately took a 62-year-old Rockville man into custody. The suspect has been charged with felony robbery, 2nd-degree assault, malicious destruction of property, theft, and disorderly conduct.

According to Maryland court records, the suspect posted $5000 bond, and has been released pending trial. A preliminary hearing in the case has been scheduled for December 13 at 9:30 AM in Maryland District Court in Rockville.

Police called after assault at Rockville hotel

Rockville City police were called to a hotel early Sunday afternoon, November 17, 2024, after someone reported having been the victim of a 2nd-degree assault there. The assault was reported at a hotel in the 16000 block of Shady Grove Road at 1:10 PM Sunday. Red Roof Plus+ is located on that block of Shady Grove.

Akira opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Akira has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Founded in 2002 by Eric Hsueh, Erikka Wang, and Jon Cotay in Chicago, the women's apparel boutique now boasts over 30 locations nationwide. Rather than derive inspiration from fashion trends in southern California or New York City, Akira's founders say their apparel is unapologetically representative of Windy City style. Look for Akira on Level 1 in the Old Navy/The Cheesecake Factory wing of the mall, in the space recently vacated by Alex Baby & Toys.

Assault in Rockville Town Center

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault in the Town Center area Monday afternoon, November 18, 2024. The assault was reported in the 100 block of Monroe Street at 4:30 PM. That is near the Montgomery County Executive Office Building.

Rockville park dispute ends with punch to nose

A disagreement between two groups in a Rockville park ended with a physical assault, Rockville City police report. The two groups were visiting a park in the 300 block of Martins Lane on the evening of November 6, 2024, when a dispute broke out between them at 10:00 PM. A member of one of the groups then punched a member of the other group in the nose.

The victim then called 911. Police describe the suspect as a person of "unknown race, unknown gender," with a thin build and "dark complexion." The suspect is about 5'11" tall. They were wearing all black clothing, and wore their hair in a "top bun." If you can identify this suspect, call police at 240-314-8900.

Diner wrestles auto thief for car keys in Rockville

A lunchtime meal at a Rockville restaurant came with a bonus wrestling match on November 7, 2024, Rockville City police report. Around 12:10 PM, a would-be auto thief grabbed the car keys of a diner at a restaurant in the 2100 block of Veirs Mill Road. The male suspect then attempted to use the keys to steal the victim's car in the parking lot outside. A physical struggle ensued between the suspect and the victim, in which the victim prevailed.

Police describe the suspect as a Hispanic male, 20 to 30 years of age, with a thin build. He has black hair with a short buzz cut, and thin facial hair on his chin. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black shirt, a black baseball hat, and green, black, and white Asics sneakers. If you can identify this suspect, or have any other information about this incident, you are asked to call police at 240-314-8900.