PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF: October 2015

Friday, October 30, 2015

Happy Halloween!! ‪#‎PGSO‬ Host "Trunk or Treat" Event at Headquarters! Be Safe!!

Commissioner’s Entrance to the Upper Marlboro Courthouse

Effective Monday, November 2, 2015, the Commissioner’s Entrance to the Upper Marlboro Courthouse will be closed for renovations. It is anticipated that this project will take three months to complete. This is the first of a three phase renovation project that will include all public entrances of the Courthouse. Your patience with this project is greatly appreciated.

Please note that Commissioner’s operations will continue during this renovation project and citizens will be able to access the Commissioner’s Office from the exterior of the Courthouse. However, citizens will not be able to continue into the Courthouse upon exiting the Commissioner’s Office.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Dressed in Purple In Recognition of Domestic Violence Month

The U.S. Census Bureau, Assets Management Configuration Branch dressed in purple joining the Office of the Sheriff’s “Purple Light Nights®” community campaign to raise awareness and a unified voice against domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The Capital Wheel at National Harbor Lights Up For “Purple Light Nights®”

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Capital Wheel at National Harbor was the perfect shade of purple every Monday and Thursday this month, joining the Office of the Sheriff’s “Purple Light Nights®” community campaign to raise awareness and a unified voice against domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Of their participation in the campaign, as a result of partnering with the county’s Department of Family Service during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Melissa Norris, Marketing Manager for the Capital Wheel at National Harbor said, “The Capital Wheel at National Harbor is proud to partner with “Purple Light Nights®” in their efforts to raise a unified voice against domestic violence.”

"The commitment of our partners at Family Services and their support of “Purple Light Nights®” made lighting the Capital Wheel at National Harbor possible,” said Sheriff Melvin C. High. “With the support of partners at every level of government, we’ve sent a powerful message about our community working together to make change.”

The Office of the Sheriff launched “Purple Light Nights®” in Maryland in 2014, connecting Prince George’s County and the state with a list of cities and counties in over 30 states, and in Canada and 18 villages in Guam. The Purple Light Nights name and logo are approved Federal trademarks of the Covington Domestic Violence Task Force.

The Remainder of Domestic Violence Monthly Events

Wed. - October 28th – Sheriff DVID Partnership Luncheon, Newton White Mansion 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sat. – October 31th - “Silent Tears No More Flyer” The 10th Annual Domestic & Sexual Violence Prayer Breakfast Fundraiser – The Greenbelt Marriott 9:00am-12:00pm

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Prince George’s Community College Lights Up For “Purple Light Nights®

(“We want our students and our faculty to be safe,” – PGCC Police Chief Walker)

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Prince George’s Community College (PGCC), Violence Prevention Center, established with a Department of Justice domestic violence grant, joined the “Purple Light Nights®” community campaign to raise awareness and a unified voice against domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. PGCC police officers shared photos of employees who received purple light bulbs to shine on their porch or in their window and one of Bladen Hall bathed in purple light.

“Our partnership with the “Purple Light Nights®” community campaign is consistent with our thinking for the Violence Prevention Center at the college,” said Chief Walker. “We want our students and our faculty to be safe. So often raising their awareness and giving them information they can use is the way we achieve that, and that’s what the “Purple Light Nights®” campaign does.”

“We are always happy to work with the Chief Walker and the students and faculty at Prince George’s Community College,” said Sheriff Melvin High. “We want every light bulb the police and the Center distribute to reaffirm the message of the campaign – that domestic violence has no place in our community.”

The Office of the Sheriff launched “Purple Light Nights®” in Maryland in 2014, connecting Prince George’s County and the state with a list of cities and counties in over 30 states, and in Canada and 18 villages in Guam. The Purple Light Nights name and logo are approved Federal trademarks of the Covington Domestic Violence Task Force.

The Remainder of Domestic Violence Monthly Events

Click Here For Photos

13th Annual Clackamus County DV Warrant Sweep Closes 146 Warrants

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff (PGSO) joined nine state and local law enforcement agencies to participate in the annual Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office 13^th Annual National Family Violence Apprehension Detail on October 21,2015.

This year’s sweep was divided into two phases utilizing four teams in the early morning hours, and a second phase of 14 teams in an o

vernight operation. Participating agencies included the Maryland State Police, Maryland Park Police, Prince Georges County Police Department, Prince Georges County Department of Corrections, Capitol Heights Police Department, Glenarden Police Department, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Greenbelt Police Department and Prince George's County Public Safety Communications.

During both phases of the sweep, teams attempted to serve warrants at more than 399 addresses that resulted in the arrest of 124 individuals to close 146 outstanding warrants. Among the charges for those arrested for domestic violence related crimes were Second Degree Assault, Violation of an Exparte Order (protective order), 1^st Degree Burglary, Stalking, Malicious Destruction of Property, Telephone Misuse and Domestic Related Felony Theft.

The Clackamus County Annual Warrant Sweep takes place every year during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The sweep was started 13 years ago by Clackamus County Sheriff Craig Roberts when he was still a detective. In 2014 over 1100 law enforcement members in 36 states participated in the sweep; they attempted service at 3500 addresses and made over 900 arrests.

“The Clackamus County Warrant Sweep during Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a crucial reminder that domestic violence is a crime,” said Lieutenant Colonel Regina Taylor, Bureau Chief Field Operations. “Each of the agencies that joins us knows that domestic violence has no place in our community and their support is always a factor in the success of this sweep.”

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354.

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“Purple Light Nights®” Partner City of Bowie Lights Up

(“Our headquarters looks pretty cool in purple and it’s for a good cause,” – Chief Nesky)

Upper Marlboro, MD… With its Police Headquarters bathed in purple light, the City of Bowie joined the Office of the Sheriff and other partners in this year’s “Purple Light Nights®” community campaign to raise awareness and a unified voice against domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

“This is a terrific reason to join forces with other law enforcement agencies and with advocates and service providers who assist victims of domestic violence every day,” said Bowie Police Chief John Nesky. “Raising awareness in the community has the potential to increase our chances of being preventive. We think our headquarters looks pretty cool in purple and it’s for a very good cause.”

“The partnership with Chief Nesky and the City of Bowie have helped us spread the message of “Purple Light Nights®” all over the county – that domestic violence has no place in our community. We appreciate the city’s support and we look forward to working with them throughout the year,” said Sheriff Melvin C. High.

The Office of the Sheriff launched “Purple Light Nights®” in Maryland in 2014, connecting Prince George’s County and the state with a list of cities and counties in over 30 states, and in Canada and 18 villages in Guam. The Purple Light Nights name and logo are approved Federal trademarks of the Covington Domestic Violence Task Force.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354.

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The Remainder of the Domestic Violence Monthly Events

Wed. - October 28^th– Sheriff DVID Partnership Luncheon, Newton White Mansion 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sat. – October 31st - “Silent Tears No More Flyer” The 10^th Annual Domestic & Sexual Violence Prayer Breakfast fundraiser – The Greenbelt Marriott doors open at 8:30 a.m.
the event is from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Riverdale Park Lights Up for “Purple Light Nights®”

(“…awareness empowers the community in prevention,” – Chief Morris)

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Town of Riverdale Park lit its Town Hall, Police Station and Town Center in support of this year’s “Purple Light Nights®” community campaign to raise awareness and a unified voice against domestic violence during Domestic Violence Month in October.

Of the city’s participation in the campaign, Police Chief Dave Morris said, “We are pleased to partner with the Sheriff in “Purple Light Nights®” and three purple city facilities draw a lot of attention. Raising awareness is a relevant goal and one we can certainly support because awareness empowers the community in prevention and that’s an enormously important result.”

“Riverdale Park’s response to “Purple Light Nights®” has been tremendous. Their support of “Purple Light Nights®” means that citizens will learn more about domestic violence. We’re delighted the town joined us,” said Sheriff Melvin C. High.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354.

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The Remainder of the Domestic Violence Monthly Events

Wed. - October 28^th– Sheriff DVID Partnership Luncheon, Newton White Mansion 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sat. – October 31st - “Silent Tears No More Flyer” The 10^th Annual Domestic & Sexual Violence Prayer Breakfast fundraiser – The Greenbelt Marriot doors open at 8:30 a.m.
Event is from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

“Purple Light Nights®” Partner City of Hyattsville Lights Up

Upper Marlboro, MD… The City of Hyattsville, a partner in this year’s “Purple Light Nights®” community campaign to raise awareness and a unified voice against domestic violence during Domestic Violence Month in October bathed its City Administration/ Police Department building in purple light.

Of the city’s participation in the campaign, Police Chief Doug Holland said, “As law enforcement we always hope for an opportunity to prevent a crime from happening. We completely agree with the goal of awareness as a tool of prevention because the more citizens know about domestic violence, the more likely they are to urge a victim or an abuser to seek help. And, we think our Administration and HPD building looks pretty awesome in purple and more importantly delivers a powerful and important message.”

“Chief Holland and the City of Hyattsville are good partners with whom we share common goals for the safety and well-being of the members of the community. We’re delighted the city joined the Purple Light Nights campaign and we look forward to working with them throughout the year,” said Sheriff Melvin High.

The Remainder of the Domestic Violence Monthly Events

Thu. - October 22nd- Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner

Fri. - October 23rd- Branch Avenue Metro 7:00 a.m.-9:00a.m.

Sat. - October 24th- Cooking Gents Against Domestic Violence - Super Chapter Community Center 2:00p.m.-5:00p.m.

Tue. - October 27^th-Penn Station Shopping Center 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Wed. - October 28^th– Sheriff DVID Partnership Luncheon, Newton White Mansion 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sat. – October 31st - “Silent Tears No More Flyer” The 10^th Annual Domestic & Sexual Violence Prayer Breakfast Fundraiser – The Greenbelt Marriott 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Prince George's Hospital Center Lights Up For “Purple Light Nights®”

(“The Hospital Looks Great in Purple” - Sheriff High)

Upper Marlboro, MD… In a salute to this year’s “Purple Light Nights” guest partner – The Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center at Dimensions Healthcare Prince George’s Hospital, Sheriff Melvin C. High said:

“We were delighted that the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center (DV/SAC) at Dimensions agreed to be our guest partner for “Purple Light Nights” and throughout the month. We want the community to know about the Center and the work it does. And, the hospital looks great in purple”

Ms. Karalyn Mulligan, Coodinator at the Center said, “We are partners with the Office of the Sheriff throughout the year, but we were delighted to be highlighted as the guest partner for the Sheriff’s “Purple Light Nights” community project.

At the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center at Dimensions Healthcare we believe that all victims and survivors have the right to be believed, be free from blame, receive non-judgmental and confidential support, receive accurate and current information and choose their path of healing. We, along with the Office of the Sheriff and with the community, have the responsibility to ensure these rights are upheld and that victims can live safely and free from abuse.”

The Office of the Sheriff launched “Purple Light Nights” in Maryland in 2014, connecting Prince George’s County and the state with a list of cities and counties in over 30 states, and in Canada and 18 villages in Guam. The Purple Light Nights name and logo are approved Federal trademarks of the Covington Domestic Violence Task Force.

The Remainder of the Domestic Violence Monthly Events

Thu. - October 22^nd- Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner

Fri. - October 23^rd- Branch Avenue Metro 7:00 a.m.-9:00a.m.

Sat. - October 24th- Cooking Gents Against Domestic Violence - Super Chapter Community Center 2:00pm-5:00pm

Tues. - October 27th- Penn Station Shopping Center 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Wed. - October 28^th– Sheriff DVID Partnership Luncheon, Newton White Mansion 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sat. – October 31th - “Silent Tears No More Flyer” The 10^th Annual Domestic & Sexual Violence Prayer Breakfast Fundraiser – The Greenbelt Marriott 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354.

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The City of Greenbelt Lights Up For “Purple Light Nights®”

(“Domestic Violence is everybody’s business” – Greenbelt City Council)

Upper Marlboro, MD… The City of Greenbelt, a municipal partner in the “Purple Light Nights®” community campaign to raise awareness and a unified voice against domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, sent photos of three locations bathed in purple light. The city lit the Greenbelt Police Station, the city municipal building, and the Springhill Lake Recreation Center.

Of their participation in the campaign, the Greenbelt City Council issued the following statement: “Domestic Violence is everybody’s business.” As municipal partner with “Purple Light Nights®”, the City invited citizens to “…join in supporting Domestic Violence Awareness Purple by illuminating a purple light bulb on your front porch in October. Greenbelt is an inclusive community that believes everyone should be safe in their home and neighborhood.”

“The partnership we share with the City of Greenbelt is reflected in the City Council’s statement,” said Sheriff High. “The Council knows what all of public safety knows – that awareness is a tool of prevention.” The Office of the Sheriff launched “Purple Light Nights” in Maryland in 2014, connecting Prince George’s County and the state with a list of cities and counties in over 30 states, and in Canada and 18 villages in Guam. The Purple Light Nights name and logo are approved Federal trademarks of the Covington Domestic Violence Task Force.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Parks & Recreation Headquarters Lights Up For “Purple Light Nights®”

Upper Marlboro, MD… In a statement on the continuing support of the “Purple Light Nights®” community campaign to raise awareness and a unified voice against domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sheriff Melvin C. High said the following:

“We think the Prince George’s County Parks & Recreation headquarters looks great in purple and we couldn’t be more pleased that they joined us in this campaign, or more appreciative for the assistance they gave us for our “Purple Light Nights®” lighting ceremony on October 1st.

We joined this national campaign two years ago because of its public safety focus. As every member of the public safety partnership in the county knows as do all our other professional partners who work closely with individuals and families affected by domestic violence, awareness is a tool of prevention. That’s the goal we’re all working toward.”

#PGSO support "Cops on Rooftops" fundraiser event!

Prince George's Sheriff's Office Domestic Violence Intervention Division (DVID) Squad 10 was all out for Saturday's Special Olympics Maryland fundraiser "Cops on Rooftops". Hyattsville City Police Chief Doug Holland, who also serves as Chairman of the Maryland Law Enforcement Torch Run, which also benefits Special Olympics said, " This is the 4th time we've done 'Cops on Rooftops' in Maryland, including in the City of Laurel, at the University of Maryland and in other jurisdictions around the state. Law enforcement never fails to support the efforts of Special Olympics in Maryland and across the globe because we are connected over many years of partnership and many happy athletes reaching their greatest potential." 'Cops on Rooftops' raised $5,500 for Maryland's 7,600 Special Athletes.

Friday, October 16, 2015

“COPS on Rooftops” for Special Olympics Maryland. This Saturday and Sunday! Stop by the Dunkin Donuts at 3030 Queens Chapel Road and support 7,000 Special Olympics Maryland athletes, coaches and families.

Join Us! #PGSO Domestic Violence Intervention Division supports State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks "Family Strong Experience" event this Saturday!!!

Warrant/Fugitive Division Felony Arrest Report #PGSO

Upper Marlboro, MD…The Sheriff’s Office Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the following felony arrests:

Robbery Suspect Arrested

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Brooklyn Reid of Springdale, MD, who was wanted on an arrest warrant for Robbery that was obtained by the Bowie City Police Department on September 18, 2015.

According to the warrant, on September 7th, 2015, in the 3900 block of Town Center Blvd in Bowie, MD, Reid approached a female victim in a mall parking lot where she asked to use her cell phone. When the woman gave her the phone, Reid is alleged to have struck the victim causing her to lose control of her purse. The warrant further states that Reid then took the victim’s purse and fled. The victim’s belonging were valued at approximately $700.00.

Upon receipt of the warrant, deputies’ investigation determined that Reid could be located in the 3000 block of Endicott Place in Springdale, MD. Deputies went to the residence where Reid was located and taken into custody without incident. She was transported to the Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, MD.

First Degree Assault Suspect Arrested

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Victor Jones of Clinton, MD, on an arrest warrant for First Degree Assault obtained by the County Police Department on September 20, 2015.

According to the warrant, on the day the warrant was obtained, in the 6000 block of Briarcliff Drive in Clinton, MD, Jones allegedly struck a male victim multiple times throughout his body with an edged object.

After thorough investigation, Sheriff’s deputies located Jones at Southern Maryland Hospital, where he had been admitted for treatment. He was identified and taken into custody without incident and transported to the Department of Corrections for processing.

Jones is also charged with Second Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment and Dangerous Weapon with intent to injure.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354

Thursday, October 15, 2015

PGSO Congratulates Deputy on Crime Solvers’ Deputy of the Year Award

Sheriff High at the District Heights Domestic Violence Summit

Sheriff High joined Chief Elliott Gibson Sr. in the City of District Heights on Saturday at their Domestic Violence Awareness Summit. Sheriff High talked about the importance of communities working together along with the Office of the Sheriff in the fight against Domestic Violence. “Purple Light Nights®” is raising awareness and a unified voice against domestic violence every night in October.

Let our Lights Shine together, please send us your “Purple Light Nights®” pictures at #Purplelightnightsmd or Sheriffinfo@co.pg.md.us.

In the photo left to right – Dr. Glenda Hodges, Chief Elliott Gibson, Sheriff Melvin C. High, Dr. Douglas Edwards, Pastor Carolyn Logan, and Delegate Darryl Barns.

The Office of the Sheriff will be participating in the following events to raise awareness and a unified voice against Domestic Violence.

Information Exchanges (focusing on Domestic Violence awareness):

October 16 – Addison Road Metro (7:00 am – 9:00 am)

October 20 – Silver Hill Shopping Center (Giant) (5:00 pm – 6:00 pm)

October 23 – Branch Avenue Metro (7:00 am – 9:00 am)

October 27 – Penn Station Shopping Center (5:00 pm – 6:00 pm)

Domestic Violence Events:

October 17 – Family Strong Experience (State’s Attorney’s Office)

October 20 & 21 - Clackamas County Domestic Violence Warrant Sweep

October 22 – MNADV Awards Dinner

October 28 – Sheriff’s DV Luncheon

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Warrant/Fugitive Division Felony Arrest Report #PGSO

Upper Marlboro, MD…The Sheriff’s Office Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the following felony arrests:

First Degree Assault Suspect Arrested

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Katrina Simmons of Oxon Hill, MD, who was wanted on an arrest warrant for First Degree Assault that was obtained by County Police on September 11, 2015.

According to the warrant, on the same day the warrant was received, Simmons and a male victim were engaged in an argument that turned physical at a residence located in the 5000 block of Woodland Blvd. in Oxon Hill, MD. Simmons allegedly retrieved a hammer and struck the victim, causing a laceration to his arm and hand. The warrant states that Simmons refused to provide any information related to the incident.

On September 28, 2015, Deputies located Simmons at the address of the incident. She was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections. Notification was made to Prince George’s County CID Domestic Violence Division.

Simmons is also charged with Second Degree Assault and Reckless Endangerment.

Second Degree Arson Suspect Arrested

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Johanna Fryer of Washington, DC, who was wanted on an arrest warrant for Second Degree Arson that was obtained by Office of the Fire Marshal on March 23, 2015.

According to the warrant, on March 3rd, Fire Department and Capitol Heights Police Officers located a truck that was parked on the curb filled with smoke. The warrant states that Fryer poured gas and threw matches in the vehicle. The warrant also states that Fryer was behind on her payments and could not afford the vehicle.

Deputies investigating the warrant determined that Fryer could be located in the 1300 block of Savannah Street in Washington, D.C. Deputies along with the U.S Marshal Services Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force went to the residence where Fryer was taken into custody without incident and transported to the DC jail pending extradition back to Maryland.

Fryer is also charged with First Degree Malicious Burning.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354.