lest anyone think our new neighborhood is *too* quiet...

[winterbadger]

NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
* 7500 Maple Avenue * Takoma Park, Md 20912

For more information contact:
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci, 301/891.7104
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142

October 9, 2007 (10:30 a.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On October 8, 2007, at approximately 11:13 p.m., the Takoma Park Police
Department (TPPD) responded to the 8100 block of Roanoke Avenue for a woman
who advised that her boyfriend had threatened to harm her with a gun. The
victim had escaped from the apartment located in the 600 block of Houston
Avenue leaving the suspect inside. Additional Takoma Park Police units
responded to Houston Avenue and established a perimeter and secured the
building.

The victim was taken to the Takoma Park police station where she advised
that the suspect had fired a semi-automatic pistol in the living room of the
residence and had threatened her. Further investigation revealed that in
addition to the 9mm gun, the suspect also possibly was in possession of a
short-barreled shotgun within the residence.

TPPD officers spoke with the suspect through a locked door and asked him to
come out and talk. He refused and, at 12:58 a.m., a request was made by
TPPD officers for the services of the Montgomery County Police Emergency
Response Team (ERT). Per that request, ERT responded and took over the
scene.

Negotiations with the suspect and continued for over 2 ½ hours with no
resolution. The suspect barricaded the front door of his residence to
prevent entry. The on scene Commander, Thomas Didone of the Montgomery
County Police Department, authorized the placing of an explosive device on
the door to gain entry. At 5:04 a.m., the device was detonated causing a
large hole in the door. Continued attempts to negotiate the suspect's
surrender were refused. It was determined at that time by members of the
ERT to deploy several canisters of gas into the residence. At this point,
the suspect surrendered without incident to the Montgomery County Police ERT
and he was turned over to the TPPD.

The suspect was identified as Michael Sherman Walker, 38, who will be
charged with Reckless Endangerment and Discharging a Weapon. Other charges
may follow by TPPD detectives as the investigation continues. Bond
information is not available at this time.

Chief Ronald A. Ricucci praises the rapid response of the Montgomery County
Police ERT and the excellent job they did in resolving a volatile situation.
This is another example of both agencies working together to better serve
the community.

Catherine E. Plevy
Executive Assistant
Notary Public
Office of the Chief of Police
7500 Maple Avenue
Takoma Park, Maryland 20912
(301) 891-7142