News Releases

Suspect Cited for Aggressive Panhandling, Other Offenses

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 20, 2014

As warmer weather approaches, Montgomery County residents may see an increase in the number of panhandlers in the intersections of the roadways.  Residents are reminded that panhandling is not safe and, ultimately, does not help the person who is panhandling.  In fact, panhandling often leads to complaints by residents regarding the conduct of the panhandlers as well as other criminal violations committed by the panhandler.

One recent example of this occurred when members of the 4th District Community Action Team cited a suspect for committing several quality of life violations.  Officers observed the suspect, later identified as Edward Leon Hayes, age 51, of the 4800 block of Waltonshire Circle in Olney, panhandling in the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Randolph Road.  Hayes was observed knocking on the window of a vehicle while it was waiting in the turn lanes of New Hampshire Avenue in an attempt to solicit money from the driver.

Hayes then walked across the intersection to an adjacent beer store.  While in the parking lot of the store, Hayes threw a cigarette butt on to the ground rather than disposing of it in a trash receptacle.  Hayes then entered, made a purchase, and exited the store.  Upon exiting the store, he walked to the parking lot of the Giant food store and began consuming the alcoholic beverage that he had purchased.  As officers were about to stop Hayes to speak with him about his conduct, Hayes began to urinate in the parking in view of the public.

Based on the above, Hayes was charged via Maryland criminal citations for aggressive panhandling, littering, possession of an open container of alcohol adjacent to a retail establishment, and urinating in public.

No photo of Hayes is available as he was charged via criminal citation.

Residents of Montgomery County are reminded of the ongoing panhandling campaign that encourages residents to give a hand up, not a handout.  Read more about Montgomery County's panhandling campaign here.

JMS

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Release ID: 14-074
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: press-releases