Suspect Arrested In Connection With Arcola Avenue Assault on a Rabbi

The attack is being investigated as a hate crime.Gaithersburg, MD – Officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 4th District, have arrested an adult male following an assault that occurred on Monday, October 14, 2024, in the 1400 block of Arcola Avenue.At approximately 9:53 a.m., 4th District officers responded to the location for a report of an assault.The investigation revealed that the victim, who is a Rabbi, was walking on the sidewalk on Arcola Avenue when he encountered the suspect.For unknown reasons, the male suspect, identified as 47-year-old Junior Michael Reece, swung a wooden stake at the victim, striking him. Reece then left the area. This incident is being investigated as a hate crime.The victim suffered minor injuries from the assault.4th District officers located Reece and took him into custody a short distance from the incident. He was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.Once cleared, Reece, who has no fixed address, was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he has been charged with felony assault and related crimes.