Clarksburg Man Arrested for Attempted Carjacking In Silver Spring

[Howard Hartman]

	DEPARTMENT OF POLICE MEDIA SERVICES DIVISION 2350 RESEARCH BOULEVARD ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND 20850-3294
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 28, 2009	FOR MORE INFORMATION:                         Media Services Division, 240-773-5030

Clarksburg Man Arrested for
Attempted Carjacking In Silver Spring

Yesterday, officers from the Montgomery County Police 3rd District arrested a Clarksburg man after he attempted a carjacking at the Bestway grocery store parking lot in Silver Spring.

On December 27, 2009 at 12:47 p.m., 3rd District officers responded to 8540 Piney Branch Road for the report of an attempted carjacking that had just occurred. The preliminary investigation revealed that as the 78-year-old female victim was getting out of her vehicle; the suspect approached her, displayed a knife, and demanded her keys. The victim complied and then began walking towards the entrance of the Bestway grocery store screaming for help. Several citizens heard the cries for help and came to her rescue. The suspect was detained by community members for a brief time, but was able to flee on foot. Evidence recovered at the scene enabled police to develop a suspect. He was located on Arliss Street in Silver Spring, and after a short foot pursuit was taken into custody.

That suspect, identified as Javier Gonzalez-Mena, 27 years old, of the 23300 block of Brewer’s Tavern Way in Clarksburg was charged with attempted carjacking, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, attempted unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, attempted theft over $1000.00, reckless endangerment, second-degree assault, and possession of a dangerous and deadly weapon. He was being held without bond at the Montgomery County Detention Center.

The 78-year-old victim was not injured and her vehicle was not damaged.

Javier Gonzalez-Mena

8540 Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring