Takoma Park Police Department Chief Antonio DeVaul has announced the arrest of Jery Sarceno, 18, of Hyattsville, Maryland, on suspicion of possessing a firearm on a person and a concealed deadly weapon. The 17-year-old suspect is charged as an adult.
A patrolman on the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, close to the Red Carpet Inn, reported seeing six men strolling across the hotel parking lot toward the back of the 7500 block of New Hampshire Avenue on August 17, 2024, at around 11:25 a.m. Since trespassing and criminal behavior are known to occur in this area, the officer requested backup units.
Officers walked up to the group and told the subjects to halt. One man, subsequently identified as Ortiz-Cortez, made an attempt to leave while seemingly hiding something in his waistband. He was promptly taken into custody after it was discovered that he had an active warrant for first-degree assault from the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Department. A loaded Glock 17 handgun was found hidden in his crotch area during a search incident leading to his arrest. The gun, which was chambered for no round, was locked.
Further searches turned up the following information:
- Jery Sarceno, 18 concealed a loaded Bersa Thunder .380 handgun in his waistband; taken into custody.
- 17-year-old juvenile carrying a large silver machete/knife on his right hip; taken into custody and later released to a parent.
- 17-year-old juvenile in possession of a controlled dangerous substance in his bag; transported to the station and later released to a parent.
At the scene, two more youths, both 17 years old, were released. Following their arrest, the two suspects were taken to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit and charged appropriately.
