Volunteers Sought for New Canal Boat
Before the end of August, a new canal boat, the Charles F. Mercer, is scheduled to be delivered to the C&O Canal near Great Falls Tavern. The National Park Service is looking for volunteers to help operate the boat, which will be drawn by mules and take visitors through the canal between Great Falls Tavern and Swains Lock. Volunteers must be able to lift, push or pull 100 pounds, and must be available for a minimum of one day every two weeks. To volunteer or for more information, call Bill Justice at 301-714-2214, or Warren Kasper at 301-767-3714.
Potomac Community Center Closed
The Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Road, Potomac will be closed Aug. 6–20 for general cleaning and maintenance. If you would like to reach someone in the Recreation Department Office, call 240-777-6900. Their office hours are Mon.-Fri., from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Potomac Community Center will reopen on Aug. 21.
Fatal Motorcycle Collision in Poolesville
Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Collision Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal collision involving a motorcyclist that occurred early in the morning on Aug. 5 in the 18000 block of Darnestown Road in Poolesville.
Detectives responded to the 18000 block of Darnestown Road in Poolesville, for the report of a traffic collision.The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim, Glenn Doyle Prather, 56, of the 19500 block of Jerusalem Church Terrace in Poolesville, was riding his 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on Route 28 approaching Cattail Road in Poolesville. For unknown reasons the victim crossed the double yellow lines and struck a utility pole and a tree. He was wearing a helmet and was ejected from the motorcycle. The motorcycle caught fire as a result of the collision. Fire/rescue responded and Prather was pronounced dead at the scene.
Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to call the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 301-840-2435. The investigation is continuing.
Detectives Make Arrests after Series of Robberies and Thefts
Montgomery County Police 1st District officers and detectives have been investigating a series of commercial robberies and purse snatching thefts that have occurred throughout the month of July and into August, in the areas of Crabbs Branch Way, the King Farm Community, and the Shady Grove Metro Station in Rockville.
On Wednesday, Aug. 3, at approximately 1:30 a.m., officers observed four males who were entering and leaving the Shell Gas Station on the corner of East Gude Drive and Crabbs Branch Way several times. They matched the general descriptions of the suspects believed involved in armed and strong-armed robberies in the area. The four separated as they left.
The officers were able to stop two of the suspects for questioning. One of the suspects tried to dispose of a gun (later determined to be a BB gun) in the bushes as officers approached. Another of the suspects had two cell phones in his possession that belonged to two of the robbery victims. A third suspect was located and arrested later that same day. It was learned that the fourth suspect was not involved in any of the robberies and thefts. Through the course of the preliminary investigation the suspects in custody were linked to the following crimes:
o July 28 at 9:48 p.m. in the 100 block of Watkins Pond Boulevard: A 66-year-old woman from Rockville, was walking in the parking lot, was approached from behind by a black male suspect who stole her purse containing a cell phone. A witness observed the suspect run away along with two additional black male suspects.
o July 30 at 9:15 p.m. getting off a bus in the 16000 block of Crabbs Branch Way: A 21-year-old man from Rockville, was getting off the bus when two black male suspects followed him, pushed him to the ground and began punching him in the face. One of the suspects threatened the victim with a bottle. The other suspect removed his cell phone, wallet, and other personal property.
o Aug. 2 at 3:00 a.m. in the 16000 Crabbs Branch Way: A 44-year-old male cab driver from Rockville, was transporting three black males to the Shady Grove Metro Station. When they arrived there the driver was asked to take them to the 16000 block of Crabbs Branch Way. As they were driving to that destination, one of the passengers pulled out a handgun and demanded money. The driver grabbed the handgun and a struggle ensued. Shortly after the struggle, all three suspects left the taxi and ran.
The suspects arrested included: A 15-year-old male from Derwood, who was in possession of the BB gun and who was charged as a juvenile. He is being held at the Alfred D. Noyes Children’s Center. Alfred O’Brien, age 22, of no fixed address, and Andre Bernard O’Brien, age 20, of no fixed address were also arrested. The adults were charged with misdemeanor theft, and conspiracy to commit misdemeanor theft, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Andre O’Brien is being held on $75,000 bond, and Alfred O’Brien is being held on $80,000 bond. Additional charges are pending.