Lululemon move postponed at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Lululemon is staying put in its current spot at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda for a little bit longer. The activewear company did not specify why its planned move is being delayed, but said it hopes to have a firm grand opening date by the end of August. In the meantime, their existing store remains  fully open for business. The new space, still walled off, is much larger than the current Lululemon store.

Ace Hardware "coming soon" to Rockville

Ace Hardware has posted "coming soon" signage at its future Rockville location at 835 Rockville Pike, at Wintergreen Plaza. Construction is well underway inside the space, which was formerly occupied by Gold's Gym. The store will only use the first floor level of the old gym, though. When it opens, this will be the first Ace Hardware store in Rockville. An excellent addition to Wintergreen Plaza that should boost traffic to the other businesses there, and a much-needed amenity for the City of Rockville.

Suspect arrested in rape at gas station in Rockville

Montgomery County police have arrested a suspect in the August 14, 2025 sexual assault that allegedly took place at a gas station in Rockville. Carlos St. James Hover, 34, of Washington, D.C. entered the gas station early that evening, police say, and allegedly assaulted and raped the victim inside. Hover was captured by police after officers responding to a bank robbery call the next morning in Wheaton recognized the suspect in that armed robbery because he was wearing some of the same distinctive pieces of clothing the previous night's rape victim had described to detectives.

Hover was transported to the County's Central Processing Unit where he was charged with first-degree rape, first-degree assault, armed robbery, resisting arrest, and other related crimes. He is being held without bond.

Photo courtesy Montgomery County Police Department

Police respond to assault at hotel in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an assault at a hotel on Saturday, August 16, 2025. The assault was reported at the Red Roof Inn at 16001 Shady Grove Road at 2:56 PM Saturday. A 37-year-old man was arrested. He has been charged with three counts of 2nd-degree assault, obstructing and hindering a police officer, and resisting arrest. The suspect is being held without bond at the Montgomery County jail, pending an October trial.

Rabid raccoon on the loose in Rockville

Rockville City police have received several reports of a rabid raccoon roaming the area around the Hungerford and Stoneridge neighborhoods, along Mount Vernon Place. They advise residents not approach or attempt to capture the animal. Keep pets and children indoors in that area, especially if not directly supervised by an adult, and ensure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations. If you see the raccoon or other suspicious wildlife activity, you are asked to call police at 240-314-8900. An Animal Services Unit will be dispatched to respond.

Photo courtesy Maryland DNR

Assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall Thursday afternoon, August 14, 2025. The assault was reported at the mall at 4:12 PM Thursday. This is the seventh assault police have responded to at the property this year. It had been a relatively quiet summer at the mall up until August 6, when the last assault took place during a shoplifting incident at a clothing store. There were 11 assaults reported at the popular retail center in 2024, 5 in 2023, and 12 in 2022, putting this year's numbers in line with last year's so far.

Sexual assault reported at gas station in Rockville

UPDATE - August 19, 2025, 5:51 PM: This article has been updated to indicate a suspect is now in custody.

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm sexual assault at a gas station in Rockville on Thursday evening, August 14, 2025. The assault was reported at a gas station in the 300 block of E. Gude Drive at 7:05 PM. A suspect was arrested the next morning during a bank robbery in Wheaton, after officers recognized the man matched the description of the suspect in this case.