Sal Lauro Selected as United States Park Police Chief

Washington, DC – National Park Service (NPS) Director Mary A. Bomar announced on December 24, 2008 that Salvatore (Sal) R. Lauro has been selected as Chief for the United States Park Police (USPP). Lauro, who is currently serving as the Acting Assistant Chief of USPP, will assume his duties as Chief in January 2009.

"Sal has done an outstanding job since returning to the US Park Police as Acting Assistant Chief nine months ago," said National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar. His years of professional experience, knowledge of the organization and strong communications skills make him the right person to lead the US Park Police. "Selecting him for the position ensures not only stability in the short term, but also positions the Park Police for continued improvements in the future."

As Chief of the US Park Police, Lauro will manage a force of more than 600 officers with responsibilities for providing law enforcement services to areas within the NPS - primarily in Washington, D.C., New York City and San Francisco. The USPP is a unit of the NPS within the Department of the Interior, with jurisdiction in all NPS areas and certain other Federal and State lands. They are frequently called upon to provide protection for dignitaries, such as the President of the United States and visiting foreign heads of state. USPP also assists other areas of the NPS and other
law enforcement agencies during law enforcement emergencies.

Lauro began his career with the US Park Police as a police officer in Washington, D.C. in 1978. In 1985, he moved to the New York Field Office of the USPP as a police officer, rising to the rank of Lieutenant by 1992. Sal served as the Regional Law Enforcement Specialist for the NPS for the Southwest Region from 1993 to 1997 where he advised the Regional Director and staff on all aspects of law enforcement and visitor protection issues in the Southwest Region. In 1997 he returned to Washington, D.C. as the Commander of the Central District where he supervised almost 100 supervisors and officers in a district that protected such important national icons as the Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and the National Mall. He then transferred to the USPP Special Forces Branch where he was responsible for the planning and operational oversight of such large scale events as the Millennium Celebration, two Presidential Inaugurals, the dedication of the World War II Memorial and hundreds of other special events and demonstrations. In November, 2004 he left the USPP and began working at the Department of the Interior in the Office of the Secretary's Office of Law Enforcement and Security, first as a Supervisory Special Agent and then as an Assistant Director. In March, 2008 he was detailed back to the USPP as Acting Assistant Chief and has served in that position since that time.

Sal is a highly trained law enforcement specialist and has been educated in law enforcement skills and techniques by some of the best in the business, including the FBI National Academy, NY Police Department, the Department of Justice, the US Secret Service, US State Department, US Army, and at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, where he is a distinguished graduate.

He is a native of Brooklyn, New York and a graduate of the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, graduating in 1974 with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering.

BREAKING & ENTERING/THEFT

The United States Park Police Criminal Investigations Branch is investigating a Breaking&Entering/Theft which occurred at the Belle Haven Marina office trailer between the hours of 5:00pm on Thursday,12/18/08 and 8:00am Friday, 12/19/08. A cash register draw was removed from the office and discovered empty in a trash can in the Belle Haven Park parking lot a short distance away.

Further investigation revealed that two boats stored at the marina were also tampered with in an attempt to gain entry.

Anyone having any information regarding these incidents, or observing anything unusual during the dates of 12/18/08 and 12/19/08 in the area of Belle Haven Park and Marina is asked to contact Detective Kevin Fornshill at 202-610-8751, reference case #08-46951.

Robbery

On December 18, 2008, at approximately 6:51 a.m., a lone male was jogging on the south side of Key Bridge into Virginia. He crossed over the ramp from the George Washington Memorial Parkway to Key Bridge and then accessed the bike path on the south side of Key Bridge that leads to the T.R. Island pedestrian overpass. While jogging on the path he was attacked from behind and knocked to the ground. He was struck by a bottle several times in the back, neck and head. The victim sustained several cuts to his hand and a gash to the back of his head. The victim was robbed of his iPod, $80 and two credit cards. The victim was treated and released from a local hospital.

The suspect is described as a white male, medium build, mid to late 30’s, curly brown/gray hair that is longer in the front. The suspect spoke with a deep voice but no discernible accent. The only clothing description is having a disheveled appearance.

The Criminal Investigations Branch is currently investigating this incident. Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

Shooting on Baltimore Washington Parkway

The United States Park Police is currently investigating a report of a shooting on the Baltimore Washington Parkway. On December 17, at approximately 10:12 p.m., the United States Park Police received a report of a shooting that occurred on the parkway. The incident occurred at the traffic light at the top of the ramp from southbound Baltimore Washington Parkway to Route 450. A Nissan sedan was stopped at the traffic light when an unknown assailant fired at the vehicle through the front passenger window. A teenage male riding in the front passenger seat was struck by the projectile in the right shoulder. The driver of the vehicle drove the victim to a local hospital. He has been treated and released with non life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

Sexual Assualt Rock Creek Park

THE UNITED STATES PARK POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A SEXUAL ASSAULT
THAT OCCURRED IN ROCK CREEK PARK, NORTHWEST, WASHINGTON DC.

ON THURSDAY THE 27TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2008, AT APPROXIMATELY 1230 PM, AN ADULT WHITE FEMALE WAS JOGGING SOUTH ON THE PAVED BIKE AND FOOT TRAIL, WEST OF BEACH DRIVE BETWEEN KLINGLE ROAD BRIDGE AND THE PORTER STREET BRIDGE WHEN AN UNKNOWN MALE APPROACHED HER FROM BEHIND AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTED HER. THE FEMALE WAS ABLE TO FLEE FROM THE SUBJECT. THE SUBJECT WAS LAST SEEN RUNNING NORTH FROM THE AREA UP INTO A WOODED EMBANKMENT.

THE SUSPECT IS DESCRIBED AS:

A LIGHT COMPLECTED OLIVE SKIN MALE, POSSIBLY HISPANIC
MID TO LATE TWENTIES
APPROXIMATELY 5’7 FEET TALL, MEDIUM BUILD
SHORT WAVY CURLY BLACK HAIR
WEARING A GREY WOOL CAP
DARK BLUE PEA STYLE TYPE COAT
FADED BLUE JEANS

THE UNITED STATES PARK POLICE, CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH IS ASKING ANYONE WITH INFORMATION REGARDING THIS CRIME OR THE INDIVIDUAL DESCRIBED ABOVE TO CONTACT DETECTIVE M. B. LUDWICK AT 202-610-8753. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION MAY BE LEFT ON THE UNITED STATES PARK POLICE CRIME TIP LINE AT 202-610-8737.


REFERENCE USPP CASE # 08-44376

SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY CRASH ON BALTIMORE WASHINGTON PARKWAY

On November 15, 2008 at approximately 12:30pm, United States Park Police officers responded to the Baltimore Washington Parkway south of Powdermill Road for the report of a serious personal injury crash.

Preliminary investigation revealed that two vehicles, a blue Chevrolet 4 door with Virginia registration and a black Chevrolet SUV with Maryland registration, were traveling northbound on the Parkway when they made contact. The black Chevrolet lost control after contact and drove into the center median causing it to flip and enter onto the southbound lanes of the Parkway. The black SUV collided with a maroon Ford 4 door which caused the Ford to drive onto the right shoulder and into the tree line where it came to rest against the trees. The SUV came to rest on its own hood in the right southbound lane.

The 2 occupants of the Ford were transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition. The lone occupant of the SUV was airlifted by United States Park Police ‘Eagle’ helicopter to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

Shooting on Baltimore Washington Parkway

On Sunday, October 26, 2008, at approximately 4:11 a.m., the United States Park Police responded to the north bound lanes of the Baltimore Washington Parkway south of Route 197 for report of a shooting. The initial investigation revealed two vehicles were traveling north when the occupant(s) of one vehicle fired upon the other. The driver of the other vehicle, a Lexus sedan was struck. The victim pulled off the parkway and notified the police. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non life threatening injuries.

The victim is identified as 35 year old Jude Ngu of Laurel, Maryland.

The northbound lanes of the parkway were closed and all traffic was diverted onto Powder Mill Road until approximately 9:00 a.m. for the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

Marine Corps Marathon Road Closures

These are the United States Park Police road closures for the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday, October 26, 2008. All closure times are subject to change due to issues or concerns beyond our control. Please visit www.marinemarathon.com for further information.

Memorial Bridge 7:30 am - 12:30 pm

West Potomac Park 4:00 am - 12:00 pm

East Potomac Park 7:00 am - 12:00 pm

Access to Golf Course and Tennis courts will be available

Rock Creek Parkway from Pennsylvania Avenue ramp to Ohio Drive 8:00 am - 11:30 am

George Washington Memorial Parkway
Southbound to Memorial Avenue 7:00 am - 11:00 am
Southbound to Washington Blvd (Route 27) 4:00 am - 11:00 am
Northbound to Memorial Bridge 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Southbound Boundary Channel to North Pentagon Parking 4:00 am - 11:00 am
Northbound from TR Bridge to Spout Run (One Lane) 5:00 am - 10:00 am
Spout Run 7:15 am - 10:00 am

Constitution Ave
23rd Street to 15th Street 7:30 am - 12:45 pm

15th Street from Constitution Ave to Independence Ave 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

17th Street from Constitution Ave to Independence Ave 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

National Mall
Jefferson Drive from 14th Street to 3rd Street 5:00 am - 1:30 pm
Madison Drive from 3rd Street to 14th Street 5:00 am - 1:30 pm

All closures should be reopened by 1:30 p.m.

Fatal Crash Suitland Parkway

On October 16, 2008, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the United States Park Police were notified of a body found in the woodline off the east bound lanes of Suitland Parkway, west of Suitland Road.

The initial investigation revealed the woman was involved in a vehicle crash on October 7th. The incident is being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Branch.

The deceased is identifed as 50 year old Jean Kearney of Forestville, Maryland.

Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Meridian Hill Park

On Sunday, October 12, 2008 the United States Park Police were notified of a shooting in Meridian Hill Park. The initial investigation revealed that at approximately 9:00 p.m., five Hispanic males were in the northwest quadrant of the park when they were approached by several black males. They spoke to the Hispanic males and then left. While walking south, one of the black males turned and fired a shot in the direction of the Hispanic males. One of the Hispanic males was struck in the right forearm. The suspects fled the scene.

The victim was transported to an area hospital and is being treated for non life threatening injuries. United States Park Police Detectives are investigating this incident.

Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

Pedestrian Struck near the Tidal Basin

On October 5, at approximately 11:20 p.m., the United States Park Police responded to eastbound Maine Avenue at the exit to the Tidal Basin Parking Lot for the report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Units arrived to find a victim that was riding a bicycle when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver of the striking vehicle remained on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

Initial investigation revealed the bicyclist was traveling south across Maine Avenue in the crosswalk towards Tidal Basin Parking. A silver Toyota Corolla bearing Virginia registration was traveling east along Maine Avenue with a green traffic signal at the intersection when the collision occurred. The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been placed against the operator of the vehicle at this time.

The eastbound lanes of Maine Avenue. in the area of the crash scene were closed for approximately four hours for Crash Reconstruction.

The victim was transported to a local hospital were he was later pronounced. The deceased is identified as 24 year old Ian M. Wolfe of Bethesda, Maryland.

Any person who may have witnessed this incident is encouraged to contact the United States Park Police Criminal Investigations Branch at (202) 610-8737.

Grenade Found in Rock Creek Park

On October 1, at approximately 7:55 a.m., the United States Park Police were notified of a suspicious device in Rock Creek Park. A National Park Service maintenance worker first observed the device in the north playing field, north of Morrow Drive, in NW Washington DC. The responding officer determined it to be a possible grenade and a perimeter was established. Residents living in homes along Kennedy Place were notified to evacuate the area.

The Metropolitan Police Explosive Ordinance Unit was requested. They responded and checked the device and reported it to be a legitimate grenade. They contacted the Military Explosive Ordinance Unit to assist in recovering the device. The device was recovered, rendered safe and turned over to the custody of the United States Park Police. The surrounding area was checked and the scene was cleared.

The incident is currently under investigation. Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

USPP Road Closures for the 24th Annual Army Ten Miler

Please review the times and locations of road closures to be initiated by the United States Park Police on Sunday, October 5, 2008 for the Army Ten miler. All closure times are subject to change and reopening will be at the determination of the incident commander. All USPP road closures are expected to be completed and reopened by 11:00 am.

George Washington Parkway and Boundary Channel southbound ramps to Rt. 27 - 6:00 am
Memorial Bridge - 7:20 am
Constitution Ave from 23 rd to 17th Street - 7:20 am
17th Street from Constitution Ave to Independence Ave - 7:20 am
15th Street from Constitution Ave to Maine Ave - 7:20 am
Madison Drive from 7th - 14th Street - 6:00 am
Jefferson Drive from 15th - 7th Street - 6:00 am
Independence Ave from 23rd Street to 14th Street - 7:20 am
Rock Creek Parkway from Virginia Ave to Ohio Drive - 7:20 am
Ohio Drive from Inlet Bridge to 23rd Street - 6:00 am

For more information regarding the Army Ten-Miler please visit the official website at www.armytenmiler.com.

Death Investigation at Swains Lock

On Tuesday, September 23, at 4:09 p.m., United States Park Police units responded to Swains Lock, at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park, for a report of a visitor in cardiac arrest.

The initial investigation revealed a 78 year old male was walking with his wife along the canal towpath, when he collapsed. His wife called 911 and Montgomery County Medics responded and began treatment. He was transported to Suburban Hospital and later pronounced.

The man has been identified as Robert E. Moran, Jr., of Potomac, MD.

Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

Medical Emergency on Baltimore Washington Parkway

On Monday, September 22, 2008, at approximately 4:09 p.m., the United States Park Police were dispatched to southbound Baltimore-Washington Parkway south of Powder Mill Road for the report of a medical emergency. Arriving units reported Emergency Medical Services on the scene performing CPR on an individual who was subsequently transported to a local hospital by ambulance. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the decedent had been sick for several days. The decedent had stayed home that day and later determined the need go to the hospital. A friend of the decedent was contacted who responded to his residence to take him to the hospital.

While driving southbound on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway south of Powder Mill Road, the friend noticed that the decedent had slumped against the car's passenger door. He had been complaining of not being able to catch his breath. The friend pulled to the roadside and found the decedent unresponsive. The friend contacted 911 who had him begin CPR.

The decedent has been identified as 25 year old Anthony Ray Eldridge, a Lanham, Maryland resident.

Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

Motorcycle Checkpoint Conducted

On Sunday, September 14th, officers from the United States Park Police District 2 Station, in conjunction with the Virginia State Police and the Arlington County Police, conducted a motorcycle safety checkpoint on the southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in the area of Reagan National Airport. Over 4,000 vehicles passed through this checkpoint, which was conducted between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During the course of this enforcement action, 75 motorcyclists were stopped. Of the motorcyclists stopped, eight operators had no driver’s licenses, eight operators had registration violations, seven motorcycles were found to have safety inspection issues, one operator had a revoked permit, one operator was in violation of a learner’s permit, and three motorcycles were impounded. Twenty-six citations were issued as a result of the above findings.

The goal of the checkpoint was to enforce existing laws and educate riders through motorcycle safety tips brochures. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,810 motorcyclists were killed in 2006 – an increase of five percent over the 4,576 motorcyclists killed in 2005. There were 88,000 motorcyclists injured during 2006. Also, per mile traveled in 2006, a motorcyclist is approximately 37 times more likely to die in a crash than someone riding in a passenger car. Due to the overwhelming success of this enforcement action, it will be repeated in the future.

USPP Road Closures for Nation’s Triathlon

Please review the times and locations of road closures to be initiated by the United States Park Police on Sunday, September 14, 2008 for the Nation’s Triathlon. All closure times are subject to change.



Estimated Closures
Locations

5:00 am - 1:00 pm
Rock Creek Parkway at VA Ave to Ohio Drive

6:00 am - 12:00 pm
Rock Creek Parkway from Connecticut Ave/Calvert St. to VA Ave

5:00 am - 12:00 pm
Independence Ave from 23rd - 14th Street

5:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ohio Drive - West Potomac Park

5:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ohio Drive - East Potomac Park (Haines Point)

6:00 am - 1:00 pm
East Basin Drive

6:00 am - 1:00 pm
Maine Ave from 395 ramp to Independence Ave split

5:00 am - 1:00 pm
Constitution Ave. from 17th to 15th Street

5:00 am - 1:00 pm
15th Street from Constitution Ave to Maine Ave

6:00 am - 1:00 pm
17th Street from Constitution Ave to Independence Ave

6:00 am - 1:00 pm
Madison Drive from 7th - 14th Street

5:00 am - 12:00 pm
Parkway Drive from Rock Creek Parkway to Lincoln Circle

6:00 am - 12:00 pm
Clara Barton Parkway from Glen Echo to Chain Bridge (rt 123)


Please visit the Nation’s Triathlon website at http://www.thenationstriathlon.com/ for more information.

Suspect Pursuit Leads to Arrests

On Tuesday, September 02, 2008, at approximately 10:05 a.m., officers assigned to the Rock Creek Station reported to the area of Grove 24 for a citizen complaint of two suspicious males in the wood line. Upon arrival, officers observed the two individuals and detected an odor of marijuana. The suspects were detained and during a search of the area narcotics were discovered. One suspect fled on foot to his vehicle in the parking lot. A short pursuit ensued with the suspect stopping in the 1400 block of Rock Creek Ford Road. The suspect again fled on foot and was soon captured by assisting officers.

The two suspects were arrested and face charges in the District of Columbia.

Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

Fatal Crash on Baltimore Washington Parkway

On Thursday, the 21st of August, 2008, at approximately 5:09 a.m., the United States Park Police were notified of a multi vehicle collision on the Baltimore Washington Parkway, south of Powder Mill Road.

Initial investigation revealed a sedan bearing DC registration was traveling north and crossed over the median into the southbound lanes striking at least one vehicle. Four vehicles may have been involved in the southbound lanes to include two pickup trucks, a sedan and a motorcycle, all with Maryland registrations. All vehicles were occupied by one male adult driver.

There are two fatalities, one person transported to a hospital in stable condition, and one injured person treated and released on the scene. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

All traffic traveling southbound is being diverted onto Route 198. All traffic traveling northbound is being diverted onto the beltway. The United States Park Police Crash Reconstruction Team and Detectives are investigating the collision.

***UPDATES***

At approximately 10:35 a.m., all lane of the Baltimore Washington Parkway have been reopened.

The deceased operator of the Mitsubishi Laser bearing DC registration is identified as 60 year old Leroy Tyler, a resident of SE Washington DC.

The deceased operator of the Harley Davidson motorcycle bearing Maryland registration is identified as 48 year old Ronald Wayne Meader, a resident of Severn, Maryland.

Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

Death Investigation in Columbia Island

On August 3, 2008 at approximately 1056 hours, the United States Park Police is investigating a death, in Columbia Island Park adjacent to the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

A 44 year old female was seen jogging along a path in Columbia Island. Witnesses later observed the female lying face down next to a bench, unconscious and not breathing. Citizens began CPR and notified 911. Arlington Fire Department and U.S. Park Police Units arrived on scene.

The female was transported by Arlington Fire Department to Arlington Hospital where she was later pronounced. The identity of the decedent is being withheld until proper notification of next of kin.

The United States Park Police is investigating this incident. Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Branch at (202) 610-8738.

Pedestrian Struck on Baltimore Washington Parkway

On 8/02/08 at approximately 5:37 am, the United States Park Police responded to southbound Baltimore Washington Parkway ramp to New York Avenue for a pedestrian that was struck by a motor vehicle.

The United States Park Police are investigating the crash. Initial reports reveal that a male pedestrian was struck by an SUV and then dragged by a second vehicle a distance. The victim was pronounced at the scene.

Any person who may have witnessed this accident is encouraged to contact the United States Park Police Criminal Investigations Branch at (202) 610-8737.

All in the Family Picnic – July 12th, The Malone House

The expansive grounds of the Walter Reed Hospital held a very special family event on July 12th 2008 in the courtyard of the Malone House (so conveniently located on campus and serving as a hotel for the families of our veterans). What an honor it was to become a member of the family that day, and especially to share this honor with my horse, Jack, and my United States Park Police Horse Mounted Patrol colleague, Ret. Ofc. James “Bullet” Watson. They both joined me as an invitee to share a warm atmosphere with the recuperating heroes and their families.

You can always tell when a horse is happy. Since Jack is a 9-year-old quarter horse, he is old enough to appreciate youth and he thoroughly enjoyed introducing the children to the life of a police horse! And, in his capacity as a police horse, he recognized the many soldiers who came to acknowledge his presence, and he certainly appreciated them bringing him water. I could not help but imagine the life of the cavalry horse, so grateful for the soldiers’ attention and care. Yes, Jack was happy but he did have to get used to the Blues band. He is more accustomed to country music and Big Broadcast radio!

Bullet, a retired Marine as well as retired police officer, expressed his heartfelt sense of humility in the presence of the next generation of recuperating veterans. He appreciated his own military life and the life of the veterans, and their families, and Operation Homefront. We both felt it to be an honor and a privilege to be invited to this event. It offered us an opportunity to thank the soldiers in our own small way for their tremendous service and sacrifice.

The uplifting environment emphasized to me the importance of the families as a whole adjusting in tandem with the individual soldiers. It made me realize that families and veterans alike could experience and benefit from a huge dose of equine-assisted recreational therapy. I want to share with the many soldiers and families a therapeutic riding program we have going with the Rock Creek Public Stables right near Walter Reed Hospital – it’s called the Ride Well Program. It’s specifically designed for recuperating soldiers and offers great opportunity for establishing balance, sensory-processing integration, self-confidence, and regaining large motor skills, objective thinking, and verbal skills. And it’s just plain fun. We also welcome recuperating soldiers to come to the Park Police Stables nearby where we offer ground work with the police horses, which is excellent for fine motor skills rehabilitation and reclaiming muscle memory.

For any family of a recuperating soldier, for any recuperating soldier, the United States Park Police Horse Mounted Patrol welcomes your interest in the Ride Well Program with open reins! We welcome able-bodied volunteers, in fact strong volunteers in case a recuperating veteran needs help getting on a horse. We offer riding in Rock Creek Park and learning about horses when you are not riding them. And every child is welcome to become a Junior Park Police Officer!

If anyone is interested in joining the Ride Well Program as a participating rider, or a volunteer, a helper in any way, please call Janet Counts, Facility Manager, Rock Creek Horse Center, at 202-362-0117, ext. 7.

By US Park Police Horse Mounted Officer Barbara Blendy with HOOFS Volunteer, Pamela White

Marijuana Field Discovered in Rock Creek Park

On July 14th, a National Park Service Employee was tracking a box turtle that had been outfitted with a radio transmitter for research purposes. The turtle was located within Rock Creek Park in a remote area south of the Maryland line. The turtle was within a small marijuana field that appeared to be actively tended.

The United States Park Police was alerted and surveillance was set up to monitor the area. A suspect was soon discovered caring for the approximately 10 marijuana plants in the field. A warrant was applied for the suspect’s arrest.

On July 30, United States Park Police and Montgomery County Police detectives responded to the suspect’s residence in the 2300 block of Washington Ave, Chevy Chase, Maryland. The suspect, identified as 19 year old Isiah Johnson was arrested.

Johnson awaits extradition to the District of Columbia on the charge of Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute.

Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

Barricade Incident Update

***UPDATE***

At approximately 10:00 a.m., the United States Park Police SWAT team made entry into the residence. Four occupants were taken into custody. They are currently being interviewed and charges are pending.

Barricade Incident

On Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at approximately 3:30 a.m., the United States Park Police attempted to stop a vehicle near the 1700 block of Alabama Avenue SE for a traffic infraction. The vehicle initially stopped and then continued on towards the 1800 block of Tubman Road. The two occupants, a male and female, fled into a townhouse in the area.

A check of the vehicle revealed it was taken in an armed carjacking out of Alexandria, Virginia.

A perimeter has been established and contact has been made with the residents in the house. The residents of the house have been evacuated. Negotiators are communicating with the suspects to surrender.

Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.