Montgomery County Police report arrests, gun seizures, and multiple enforcement actions in first week.
Silver Spring, MD (JK) – The Montgomery County Department of Police has launched its Third District Holiday Crime Suppression Task Force, beginning its seasonal enforcement push on December 1. The initiative is designed to reduce theft, improve safety in retail areas, and increase proactive enforcement throughout the Silver Spring district during the busy shopping season.
In its first week, officers made two handgun-related arrests. On the second day of operations, a suspect stopped for fare evasion at the Silver Spring Metro attempted to flee but was quickly taken into custody. Officers found a loaded handgun and determined the suspect was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior conviction. In a separate incident, a traffic stop for speeding led to the discovery of another loaded handgun inside a driver’s handbag, resulting in an additional arrest.
The task force also handled five theft-related investigations and five drug-related offenses during the opening week. Officers conducted 16 traffic stops, made three criminal arrests, issued six criminal citations and 11 civil citations, and served two warrants.
One of the week’s notable cases involved identifying and arresting a repeat shoplifter believed to be responsible for stealing approximately $3,700 worth of merchandise.
Police note that these numbers reflect only the work of the specialized task force. Additional arrests and enforcement actions by regular patrol units in the district are not included.
The Holiday Crime Suppression Task Force will continue its efforts throughout the holiday season.
By Jimmy Key