Fourteen Prince George's County police officers were indicted by a grand jury Thursday in what prosecutors allege was an elaborate double-dipping scheme to make money as private security. Thomas Robertson is an Associate Producer and Web Writer/Editor at WTOP. Thomas Robertson | trobertson@wtop.com. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Wayne K. Curry Administration Building1301 McCormick DriveLargo, MD 20774. CountyOffice.org does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here. After an extensive investigation by internal affairs, the chief said, the case was sent to the States Attorneys Office. But he was also accused of lying and repeatedly using excessive force, incidents that were reported on by The Washington Post in stories from the early 2000s. Council Resolution-090-2022 was adopted by the Council on Monday, August 29, 2022. The chief called the allegations against the officers deeply troubling but said they, like all citizens, deserve due process under the law. He was charged with theft ($1,500 to under $25,000), unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, unauthorized removal of a motor vehicle and several other charges and later released to a guardian. Por favor, aydenos a prevenir este tipo de delitos siguiendo estos consejos: Le agradecemos su ayuda para prevenir el robo de autos. Its the latest incident in a surge of similar crimes locally and nationwide over the past several years. Nick Agapov, Cpl. Thats because, over the past several months, videos posted to TikTok have demonstrated a method to more easily steal those models. Un mensaje del Departamento de Polica del Condado de Prince George: Si ha recibido un aviso en su vehculo, tenga en cuenta que NO es un boleto. On February 10, 2023, at approximately 10:55 am, patrol officers were called to the 3700 block of Donnell Drive for a stabbing. PGPD observed a car recently reported stolen out of D.C. on Tuesday and stopped the white Kia Optima in the 8000 block of Woodyard Road in Clinton. Police apprehended two teenage boys after they were caught attempting to break into a Hyundai parked in a driveway on Lancaster Circle in Waldorf on the morning of February 27. 5425 Wisconsin Ave Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. 5425 Wisconsin Ave The county reported more than 840 car thefts between January 1 and early February. Finns legacy in the department was complex from the onset of his career in Prince Georges. Brandon Farley, Officer Christopher Oliver, Officer John Mcintosh and retired Cpl. Overturned tanker truck explodes on US Route 15 in Frederick, Maryland leaves 1 dead, Tanker truck explodes on US Route 15 in Frederck, Maryland, killing 1 person, Police: Man killed in shooting in Alexandria, Weather Watch Alert: Saturday for strong winds, Snowy and cold or dry and warm? Named after Prince George of Denmark, the 2nd largest county in Maryland, we share a border with Washington D.C. and is about 37 minutes south of Baltimore, MD. 2023 WTOP. This Prince George County Virginia Most Wanted List posts the top 50-100 fugitive criminals on the run. PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. Dozens of Kia and Hyundai owners lined up Monday in Prince Georges County as police handed out anti-theft steering wheel locks in the face of a theft epidemic targeting the Korean-made cars. Information found on CountyOffice.org is strictly for informational purposes and does not construe legal, financial or medical advice. After graduating in 2019 from James Madison University, Thomas moved away from Virginia for the first time in his life to cover the local government beat for a small daily newspaper in Zanesville, Ohio. Prince George's County; DC; Crime News; . Our Customers are organizations such as federal, state, local, tribal, or other municipal government agencies (including administrative agencies, departments, and offices thereof), private businesses, and educational institutions (including without limitation K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and vocational schools), who use our Services to evaluate job . Rambler 1946 Maryland State Archives. Prince Georges County Police - Auto Theft Unit Suggest Edit Address 7600 Barlowe Road Hyattsville , Maryland , 20785 Phone 301-772-4900 Prince Georges County Police - Auto Theft Unit Details Type Local Police Department Precincts 6 Full Time Sworn Officers 1,578 Full Time Civilians 262 Part Time Civilians 134 Kia vehicle owners in Prince Georges County lined up early Monday morning, hoping to protect their cars from a rash of thefts connected to a social media challenge. Officials in D.C. said the threat of carjackings has increased since the coronavirus pandemic began. He was black. Prince Georges County police gave away about 500 steering wheel locking devices to Kia owners whose cars are at risk from the "Kia Challenge.". The boy was found two hours later in the Riverdale area, according to police. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. PrinceGeorgesMD. Third party advertisements support hosting, listing verification, updates, and site maintenance. Juntos podemos hacer la diferencia. The companies are grappling with the fallout from a security flaw that can let thieves start the cars little more than a USB cable and instructions that have been spread globally on social media. Sign Up For Emergency Alerts. Police found the SUV abandoned in the 5300 block of Farragut Street in the Riverdale area, with the child alone inside. Include a copy of your valid government issued photo ID and a self-addressed stamped envelope. : www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1024/Permitting-Inspections-and-Enforcement Police Dept. 8333 Woodyard Road. Clinton, MD 20735. The 14 officers were indicted on various charges including misconduct in office and felony and misdemeanor theft scheme. Now, some insurance companies are raising rates and refusing to accept new customers with certain Kias and Hyundais, because of the increased cost of replacements and repairs. The Greenbelt Police Department tweeted that officers were in the area of 21 Parkway around 9:45 a.m. after they received a report that two teenagers were breaking the window of a Hyundai. The officers, 13 who remain on the force and one who is retired, had their police powers suspended in April 2021, Prince Georges County States Attorney Aisha Braveboy and Police Chief Malik Aziz announced during a news conference. The Associated Press. Prince George's Co. Council approves bill capping rent increases at 3%. Remove all visible valuables including all cell phones, laptops, and non-factory installed electronic equipment like GPS. Popularity:#1 of 4 Police Departments in Hyattsville#17 of 41 Police Departments in Prince George's County#73 of 263 Police Departments in Maryland#6,004 in Police Departments. During the same town hall last week, Stawinski said . Like WTOP on Facebook and follow WTOP on Twitter and Instagram to engage in conversation about this article and others. PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. Download the apps today for live newscasts and video on demand. As protests against police brutality continued across the Washington region on Saturday, demonstrators in Prince George's County voiced their concerns about the county police department, which has . Your news.Sign up for the Capitol Breach email newsletter, delivering the latest breaking news and a roundup of the investigation into the Capitol Riots on January 6, 2021. As the officers approached, the male fled and ran to another Hyundai parked nearby with a broken rear window. Copyright 2022 by WTOP. Each of the county's 8 police districts will organize giveaways and announce them on the police department's Twitter feed @PGPDNews as the steering wheel locks become available, Fischer said. Investigation continues. Tom Sizemore, the "Saving Private Ryan" actor whose bright 1990s star burned out under the weight of his own domestic violence and drug convictions, died Friday at age 61. Suggest Listing She won the jackpot. The notice we left is a reminder that leaving anything in plain sight could end up with your vehicle being broken into. Theft; Unauthorized removal of a motor vehicle; He is currently being held in the custody of the Department of Corrections. Updated: 1:14 PM EST February 21, 2023. By 2022, the county saw an average of 10 carjackings per week. He was released to a parent in accordance with Maryland law. Police believe the TikTok challenge has led to at least 14 crashes and eight deaths, The Associated Press reported. Public Safety Special Events Coordination. WUSA9 is now on Roku and Amazon Fire TVs. The boy was in a brown, 2015 Nissan Armada when it was stolen by a stranger from a gas station in the 5300 block of Ritchie Marlboro Road. That officer was Edward Scott Finn, according to two people with knowledge of the investigation who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing probe. Police said that a loaded gun was found in Smith's purse. Prince George's County Police Department, MD EOW: Friday, October 26, 1984 Cause: Stabbed Total Line of Duty Deaths: 30 Aircraft accident 1 Automobile crash 6 Gunfire 16 Gunfire (Inadvertent) 2 Stabbed 1 Vehicle pursuit 2 Vehicular assault 2 By Month January 1 February 7 March 4 April 2 May 1 June 6 August 1 September 2 October 1 November 4 Address and Phone Number for Prince Georges County Police - Auto Theft Unit, a Police Department, at Barlowe Road, Hyattsville MD. We are dedicated to preserving our community's peace while adhering to the highest level of ethical standards and professional conduct. The locks are being donated by the auto makers, Fischer added. David M. Higgins II is an award-winning journalist passionate about uncovering the truth and telling compelling stories. Joshua Hitchens, Cpl. Beltsville is located at (39.037509, 76.917847), adjacent to the Montgomery County - Prince George's County It is approximately 7 miles (11 km) northeast of the Maryland border with Washington.. Like WTOP on Facebook and follow WTOP on Twitter and Instagram to engage in conversation about this article and others. Just one week after announcing they were testing anti-theft technology, Hyundai and Kia have announced that technology is now rolling out for free to millions of drivers affected by a nationwide theft epidemic ignited by social media challenges. WTOPs Abigail Constantino and John Domen contributed to this report. He was awarded the departments medal of valor at least three times. Find Police Records and Warrants related to Prince Georges County Police - Auto Theft Unit. Maryland bill aims to prevent military veterans from moving out of state, DC police formed specialized team to confiscate illegal ATVs and Dirt Bikes, 2023s Happiest Cities in America: D.C., Maryland and Virginia, 2 teens shot, 17-year-old killed in Upper Marlboro neighborhood, Silver Spring store employee hits customer in head with champagne bottle: police. All secondary work was supposed to be approved through the department and performed during off-duty hours. Vehicle thefts were up by 59% across 30 major U.S. cities from 2019 to 2022, according to a report released last month by the Council on Criminal Justice, CBS News reported. Travis Popielarcheck, Cpl. DISTRICT HEIGHTS, Md. The thefts have skyrocketed across the country. All Rights Reserved. We. After the initial report, the Prince George's County Police Department searched extensively for the child and the stolen SUV. PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. Always lock your doors and roll up your windows even when parked in front of your home. A veteran police officer in Maryland has been suspended and indicted for alleged theft and misconduct offenses while he was in office. According to the NHTSA, approximately 3.8 million Hyundais and 4.5 million Kias lack an "immobilizer" that prevents the car from starting without the key. Prince Georges County Police are handing out 500 steering wheel locks in face of auto theft epidemic targeting the Korean car makers. The Prince George's County Police Department was created on June 1, 1931, in response to the increasing population and crime the county was experiencing. Education. Finn, who had been with the police department for 25 years at the time of his arrest, was initially indicted on five counts of tax evasion and one count of obstructing justice. All County offices will be closed on Monday, February 20th in observance of Washington's Birthday (except public safety agencies). Its crazy. Every member of the Fraternal Order of Police 112 is committed to providing the highest level of police service to our community. Incident reports, and Accident report are $10.00 per copy. Site inspections are now conducted by internal affairs at all locations where officers are providing private security, and those officers time sheets are being audited. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Investigators learned that the car had been previously reported stolen in the 5900 block of Marlboro Pike on January 1. February is Black History Month! "P.G. Prince George County Adoption Center - ALL Dog Adoptions HALF OFF for the Rest of the Week Read More . Prince George's County News (Belair-Bowie, Carrolton, Seabrook Edition) 1966 Maryland State Archives. Prince George's County Police say they are hopeful the technology fix announced by the companies will reduce the break ins. Former President Donald Trump can be sued by injured Capitol Police officers and Democratic lawmakers over the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, the Justice Department said Thursday . : www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1002/Public-Works-Transportation Register of Wills: http://registers.maryland.gov/main/princegeorges.html Fourteen Prince Georges County police officers were indicted by a grand jury Thursday in what prosecutors allege was an elaborate double-dipping scheme to make money as private security officers while on the clock for their regular department shifts. Several vehicles were broken into at a cemetery in Prince George's County Thursday afternoon and now police are asking for . The 17-year-old driver from Landover was taken into custody. Thomas Robertson | trobertson@wtop.com. Last week, Hyundai and Kia announced they would provide a free theft deterrent software update to anyone who owns the vulnerable cars. Fax No. The teenager was released from the Charles County Detention Center on a $3,500 unsecured bond after appearing before a district court commissioner. Michael OConnell, Cpl. PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. The actor had suffered a . . Its no different in the D.C. area. The Post could not immediately find working numbers associated with OConnell, Popielarcheck, Brooke or Oliver. Safety and Security Services. Police across the D.C. region and nationwide are sounding the alarm on a rise in carjackings and auto thefts. During the stop, police arrested the two suspects inside the car. - Two suspects in Prince George's County are facing theft and weapon related charges, after police said they stole car in District Heights on New Year's Day. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Kyle Cook, Cpl. The officers were identified as: Cpl. According to the Prince Georges County Police Department, on Thursday officers stopped a Kia vehicle that had been previously reported stolen in the 4800 block of Marlboro Pike in Capitol Heights. Earlier this week, Kia and Hyundai pushed out a security upgrade to address the issue. This form has been modified since it was saved. READ MORE: Silver Spring residents concerned about recent violent crimes. Thirteen Prince George's County Police Department officers and a retired officer face charges of misconduct in office and theft connected to an alleged double-dipping scheme. He was determined to be prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his age. Prince George's County Police gave away 150 steering wheel locks Monday in District Heights, Maryland, in an effort to protect residents who drive Hyundais and Kias from the car thefts plaguing . 14 Prince Georges officers indicted, accused of double-dipping. The Prince George's County Police Department's Homicide Unit is actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Sunday afternoon in Temple Hills. The first case involves county police officer, Bryant Strong . Officials said at the news conference that the officers all worked for a fellow Prince Georges County officer, who owned a private security company and recently pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges related to his business. This year, Prince George's police have investigated at least 56 killings as of Sunday afternoon up from around 30 at the same time last year. Finn, a now-retired police lieutenant, employed his colleagues through his company, Edward Finn Inc., which provided security services to more than 20 apartment complexes in the county. County Office is not affiliated with any government agency. Seven teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 have been charged with auto theft in Montgomery County, Maryland, according to police. I need one of these steering wheel locks so when I get my car back these thieves dont take it again, Murphy said. View map of Prince Georges County Police - Auto Theft Unit, and get driving directions from your location. Please review all fields before submitting. ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) An explosion and fire near an illegal oil refinery site in Nigeria's Niger Delta region killed at least 12 people Friday, police said, although . More by David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor, AAA Survey Reveals Growing Apprehension Toward Fully Self-Driving Vehicles, Charles County Public Schools to Open Early Learning Center at College of Southern Maryland, Navy Senior Alex Smith Nominated for Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award, Maryland Youth Mental Health Affected by COVID-19, Finds State Survey, Board of Public Works extends BWI concession contract as new vendor is identified, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. In Montgomery County, carjackings increased by 72% in 2021 compared to 2020. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps ' Fatal shootings are also up in neighboring. The grandfather immediately called 911. Seven teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 have been charged with auto theft in Montgomery County, Maryland, according to police. Three juveniles were inside the male driver and two female passengers. Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Public safety cannot operate without integrity, Braveboy said. Elimine todos los objetos de valor visible, incluidos todos los telfonos celulares, ordenadores porttiles y equipos electrnicos no instalados en fbrica, como el GPS. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Frederick, MD tanker explosion leaves 1 dead; Shuts down part of US-15, Eagles WR Zach Pascal robbed at gunpoint in Maryland, Maryland 529 whistleblower says he warned agency about negative impacts to parents' accounts, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' Actor, Dies at 61 after suffering brain aneurysm. News4's Juliana. The police department worked with Kia and Hyundai to get the devices and distribute them to select car owners, a spokesperson said. They have to do something about this. Police said that at approximately 6:20 p.m., Florentino-Galeas jumped into the running vehicle at a gas station in the 5300 block of Ritchie Marlboro Road with the owners 3-year-old grandson inside. Boeing employee bought lottery ticket because it was at $747M, a nod to the aircraft. The victim is 46-year-old Laron Mecco West of District Heights. Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you. READ MORE: Police arrest, charge man suspected of wounding mother, killing stepfather during Fairfax County stabbing. Where We Are a Service Provider. These officers, prosecutors say, worked private security shifts at the same time as their on-duty department work, then concealed the overlap from the police department. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. "We see mostly citizen robberies, auto theft, shootings and cuttings, and homicides," he says, adding that drug sales by MS-13 may be just a matter of time. Born in Baltimore and raised in Southern Maryland, he has lived in several East Reportedly, only one of the officers involved faced criminal charges. The teens arrested Wednesday in Montgomery County have been released to the custody of their parents. The charges against them are Attempted Theft of Auto and Vandalism. After being locked to a steering wheel, they make vehicles impossible to drive, even if the ignition is defeated by a thief. This method of using a USB cord to steal certain Kias and Hyundais is a trend thats been shared on social media nationwide. The victim is 31-year-old Omar Smith of Washington, DC. She said each break-in has cost her a $500 insurance deductible. Prince George's County police said missing 3-year-old Blake Morgan from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, has been found. Boeing employee bought lottery ticket because it was at $747M, a nod to the aircraft. Both automakers are the focus of a class-action lawsuit claiming the vehicles were defective because certain models built before 2020 did not have an immobilizing device that would prevent the car from starting if keys were not near the vehicle. According to investigators, the gun's serial number had been destroyed. Sgt. The Prince Georges County Police - Auto Theft Unit, located in Hyattsville, Maryland is a law enforcement agency that has been granted specific police powers in Prince George's County. In his federal case, Finn admitted that he failed to disclose $1.1 million in taxable income from his private security business over a six-year span. Thomas Robertson is an Associate Producer and Web Writer/Editor at WTOP. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. If found guilty, Aziz said their actions will not only tarnish the badge we all wear proudly, but erode the communitys trust.. Accident Photographs are $20 per roll. ': Car Thefts Made Easier by Design Flaw Continue in Prince George's County, Hyundai and Kia Rolling Out Software Update To Combat Thefts Linked to TikTok Challenge, Driver Dies in Frederick, Maryland Tanker Fire; Northbound US Route 15 Lanes Closed, Eagles Wide Receiver Zach Pascal Robbed at Gunpoint in Maryland. Prince George's County police gave away about 500 steering wheel locking devices to Kia owners whose cars are at risk of theft due to a social media challenge. The primary function of the Police Department is deterring crime, stopping crimes in progress, investigating crimes, and serving as first responders for emergencies and situations that threaten public safety. Sam Howell is the Commanders first-string QB for now, Nationals relievers see benefit in tinkering with new pitches, Kyle Kuzma, Wizards start fast and dont look back in win over Raptors. Nine officials were involved in these incidents. According to the United States Census Bureau, Beltsville has a total area of 7.2 square miles (18.6 km 2), of which 7.1 square miles (18.5 km 2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km 2 . A man was found dead outside an apartment complex in Lanham, Maryland, on Tuesday, according to Prince George's County police. If you come across them, do not attempt to apprehend them yourself. Will Vitka. READ MORE: Prince George's County teen uses USB charger to steal car, police say. News4's Mauricio Casillas reports. SoMDC appreciates all feedback from the community, along with tips, pictures, articles contributed, and support. Estacione su vehculo en reas bien iluminadas. Located at 6600 Courthouse Road, the Prince George County Police Department is a progressive, mid-sized law enforcement agency. Never leave your vehicle registration or other personal documents in your car. Prince George's County Police Cpl. Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here. According . Montgomery County caregiver . Example video title will go here for this video. Terms and Conditions. Anyone with information has been asked contact investigators in Prince George's County by calling (301) 390-2160 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Welcome to the official Prince George's County Police Department's Facebook page. In Prince Georges County, Maryland, there were fewer than 100 carjackings in 2019. February 16 Teenager found shot to death after car crash in Prince George's County A teenager was discovered shot to death after police responded to a car crash in Prince George's. When police got there, they said they saw a red Hyundai Sonata that was reported stolen out of D.C. leave the area at a high rate of speed. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. The police chief said the officers accused in the alleged scheme were reassigned to desk jobs in the Bureau of Patrol in Landover and Westphalia. Together we can make a difference. But that didnt occur in the case of the 14 officers indicted, prosecutors alleged. Please help us prevent this type of crime by following these tips: We thank you for your help in preventing theft from autos. The Prince George . A description of the SUV matched the missing vehicle, a Prince Georges County police news release said. The men are accused of exploiting a Prince Georges County Police Department program known as secondary employment, which allows officers to earn additional income working private security. Anthony Brooke, Cpl. Cierre siempre las puertas y enrolle las ventanas incluso cuando est estacionado frente a su casa. That software is set to roll out in phases at the end of February. Prince George's County, Maryland has agreed to a $20 million settlement with the family of William Green, who was handcuffed in a patrol car when a police officer shot and killed him..