Bethesda, Potomac 2012 Crime Round-Up

From high-profile trials that commanded the national spotlight to crime trends affecting Bethesda and Potomac neighborhoods, Patch brought you all the need-to-know local crime news of 2012. Get caught up on top crime headlines here.

Lululemon Killer Norwood: ‘I Am Truly Sorry’

Brittany Norwood, convicted of killing her co-worker Jayna Murray at Bethesda’s Lululemon store in 2011, was sentenced to life without parole in January.

Crime Leaves Bethesda Communities on Edge

A string of burglaries and street robberies along Western Avenue early this year left many south Bethesda and Chevy Chase residents fearful. Some residents said they organized "walking parties" to and from the Friendship Heights Metro.

Also in January, a man was arrested and charged in connection with violent home invasions and sexual assaults in Bethesda, Wheaton and Temple Hills. In a Bethesda home invasion, a mother and son were tied up and a housekeeper was sexually assaulted, police said. 

Huguely Convicted of Second Degree Murder

In February, Landon graduate George Huguely was convicted of second degree murder in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Yeardley Love, at the University of Virginia. Patch reported on the trial live from Charlottesville.

Police Warn of Copper Thefts

In a rash of incidents early in 2012, thieves targeted copper gutters and downspouts in Bethesda, Potomac and Rockville. The material can command a relatively high resale value at commercial recycling and scrap metal centers.

Police Confirm Shooting On Victory Lane In Potomac

In April, the community was shocked to learn of a shooting that took place near Winston Churchill High School. A 19-year-old was later arrested in connection with the shooting. Both articles were Potomac Patch’s second most read stories for 2012.

Arrest Made in Attempted Robbery Case in Capital Crescent Tunnel

Montgomery County police arrested several juveniles in connection with assaults and robberies this summer and fall in the Capital Crescent Trail tunnel beneath Wisconsin Avenue.

Park Police Step Up Patrols Following Capital Crescent Trail Assault

Trail users were again on alert after a 21-year-old woman was assaulted while running on the trail in October.

Burglars Target Bethesda Homes During Daytime Hours

This fall, police notified residents that burglars were targeting Bethesda homes during the day. Burglars, posing as water utility employees, also targeted elderly residents.

In a crime update, the commander of Bethesda’s second police district told residents that robberies were trending up in 2012.

Burglars Target High-End Homes in Potomac

A rash of November burglaries were targeted at affluent homes in Potomac, police said. Burglars ransacked homes and targeted jewelry, according to police.

Two Weekend Attempted Robberies Reported In Bethesda

Two men were assaulted by groups of men while walking home in Bethesda over the course of a weekend in late November and early December. In one case, the men were wearing ski masks. Police have said the assaults and attempted robberies are likely related.