News Releases

Police Investigate Domestic Violence Incident in Bethesda

For Immediate Release: Sunday, July 13, 2014

Detectives from the Special Victims Investigations Division and members of Montgomery County Fire Marshall’s Office are investigating a domestic violence incident where two explosive devices were detonated.   There were no reported injuries related to this incident.

On July 13, 2014 at approximately 2:00am, officers from the 2nd District responded for a domestic disturbance call in the 11400 block of Marcliff Road in Bethesda, Maryland.

The initial call to the Emergency Communications Center stated that the victim’s son-in-law was attempting to forcibly gain entry to the house.  The victim stated he had been awakened by several loud "bangs" at the front door of the house. When the victim investigated, he observed a large amount of sparks and smoke entering the house from around the front door and a large amount of sparks and flames outside the front door. The victim stated he recognized his son-in-law, Marc Cassell attempting to force entry at the front door.  The victim explained that his daughter and his son-in-law are currently estranged.  Cassell then fled the scene in a vehicle that was parked in front of the home.

Units responded to the scene and determined that a explosive device had been placed at the front door of the residence and detonated.  A second device was located near the garage that had detonated as well causing significant damage to the structure.  Units requested members of the Montgomery County Fire Marshall’s Office who responded to the scene to investigate.  Further investigation revealed that Cassell is involved in an ongoing divorce and custody dispute with his estranged spouse.

Later in the morning, investigators learned that Cassell had fled to Fairfax County, Virginia.  Fairfax County Police were notified and Cassell was placed under arrest.  Cassell is currently held by Fairfax County authorities awaiting extradition.

The investigation into this incident continues by members of the Montgomery County Fire Marshall's Office, detectives from the Special Victims Investigations Division and the Fairfax County Police Department.

Suspect Information:

Marc Cassell  W/M, Age 36

CTJ

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Release ID: 14-231
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: press-releases