News Releases

For Immediate Release: Friday, March 28, 2025

Gaithersburg, MD – Officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 4th District Patrol Investigative Unit have arrested and charged 24-year-old, Manuel Perez and 20-year-old, Jonathan Cruz, both of Silver Spring following an investigation into a series of wheel thefts that spanned over two years.

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 4th District officers responded to the 11000 block of Burnley Terrace for the report of an attempted wheel theft. Upon arrival, officers located and quickly apprehended Perez and Cruz.

A search warrant was executed on the vehicle used by Perez and Cruz during the night of March 4. Inside the vehicle, officers located tires that were determined to be stolen from a vehicle in the 11200 block of Oak Leaf Drive on Monday, March 3.

Further investigation revealed Perez’ involvement in three additional wheel thefts dating back to December 2023.

On Friday, March 21, a search warrant was conducted at the residence of Perez, where officers located items of evidentiary value, including a firearm and fentanyl pills.

Both Cruz and Perez were initially transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit (CPU) upon their arrest on March 4 and charged with theft related charges.

Both were released on bond.

Pending further investigation, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Perez, who turned himself in to the 4th District Station on Thursday, March 27.

He was arrested and transported to CPU where he has been charged with theft and firearm related offenses.