Police seeking man who assaulted Ride On bus driver in Rockville (Photos)

Montgomery County police are asking the public to help identify the suspect in a brutal assault that left a Ride On bus driver hospitalized on July 11. Police say the suspect got into a verbal argument with the driver as the bus got underway from the Shady Grove Metro station around 1:00 AM that morning.

The suspect then began to physically assault the driver, who attempted to call the police as he was being attacked. He did not stop his assault until the driver stopped the bus and opened the doors in the 15900 block of Frederick Road. The suspect got away on a bike he had brought with him on the bus.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect, or who has information about this assault, is urged to contact the 1st District Investigative Section at 240-773-6084.  For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

Rita's Italian Ice grand opening this Saturday in Derwood

Rita's Italian Ice will celebrate its official grand opening at 7211 Muncaster Mill Road tomorrow, Saturday, July 15, 2017 in Derwood. Buy one treat, get one free all day long. There will also be a custard-eating contest, t-shirt unraveling contest, and taste-testing contest, along with other activities. Find out what their flavors of the day are each day by liking their Facebook page.

Rockville construction update: The Metropolitan at Rockville Town Center apartments (Photos)

Construction continues at the Kettler mixed-use project called The Metropolitan at Rockville Town Center at 255 N. Washington Street. This is part of Phase 2 of redeveloping the Town Center area.

275 apartments will range from one-bedroom lofts to three bedrooms on the former site of the historic Suburban Trust Building. Amenities will include a fitness center, a yoga room, a pet grooming station, bike storage, two courtyards with outdoor grills, a swimming pool, and a two-story entertainment lounge and terrace.

A two-level, 303-space underground parking garage and 6000 SF of ground floor retail round out the project. Delivery is expected in the fall of 2017.

Asphalt crushing plant proposed for Rockville

M. Luis Products Company has proposed constructing and operating a reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) crushing and screening plant at 14900 Old Dover Road in Rockville. The Maryland Department of the Environment, Air and Radiation Management Administration (ARMA) has completed a review of the company's application, and is tentatively set to approve it.

But first, ARMA is hosting a public hearing to get community feedback on the proposed plant. The plant will crush 220 tons of reclaimed asphalt per hour, and be powered by two diesel engines. A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 6:30 PM, at the County Council Office Building, at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville, in the 7th floor Hearing Room. You will be able to speak at the hearing.

The closest homes to the plant are on Moore Drive - a fair distance away, but the ARMA announcement does not state the decibel level of the crushing machinery. You can read the M. Luis application, and ARMA's report, at the Rockville Memorial Library at 21 Maryland Avenue, Suite 310. Ask for "Docket #02-17."

Mark Keshishian & Sons moving to Rockville

Mark Keshishian & Sons, a 110-year-old business currently located at 4507 Stanford Street in Bethesda (officially Chevy Chase), is moving to Rockville. Their new address will be 12264-D Wilkins Avenue. The Oriental rugs and carpet store says they expect to complete the move by late July.

Signage installed at Lab Cafe in Rockville (Photos)

The sign and new awning are up outside the new Lab Cafe at Rockville Town Square. Replacing Ev and Maddy's, the bubble tea cafe is expected to open in mid-July. Lab Cafe will be at 101-C Gibbs Street, right next to Little Dipper Hot Pot.

Rockville construction update: Brightview West End senior apartments (Photos)

A new development that will put seniors right in the middle of Rockville Town Center is nearing delivery at 285 N. Washington Street. Brightview West End will include 195 units of independent and assisted living, 6568 SF of ground floor retail, dining facilities and a fitness center, a landscaped courtyard, and a "therapeutic" roof garden.

Alzheimer's care will also be a specialty at this residential building, and services will include transportation to medical centers, museums and galleries, and local events. A movie theater, library and "upscale pub with billiards and TV" round out the leisure options.

A rental office Welcome Center is now open at 401 N. Washington Street.