Kensington, Maryland – A quiet suburban shopping area in Kensington turned into a chaotic and dangerous scene earlier this month, leaving residents shaken and authorities increasingly concerned about the growing trend of illegal car rallies in the region.
According to the Montgomery County Police Department, the incident unfolded around 2:30 a.m. on April 4 in the parking garage of a Safeway store located on Connecticut Avenue. What started as a late-night car meet-up quickly escalated into violence.
Security footage reviewed by investigators shows a man dressed in a black sweatshirt approaching a crowd gathered inside the garage. Moments later, he pulled out a firearm and began shooting. The flashes from the gun lit up the dark garage as people scrambled for safety. Two individuals were injured in the shooting and later received medical treatment. Their current conditions have not been publicly detailed.
Police identified the suspected shooter as 19-year-old Hermes Matewere of Laurel, Maryland. He now faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and several firearm-related offenses. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing as they continue to gather evidence from the scene.
This violent episode comes just weeks after another alarming car rally incident on February 22 near the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and East West Highway in Chevy Chase, close to Columbia Country Club. That gathering also spiraled out of control when large groups blocked traffic and interfered with responding police officers.
Officials reported that during the February incident, rally participants actively obstructed law enforcement vehicles. In one case, an individual sprayed a fire extinguisher onto a police cruiser’s windshield, reducing visibility and putting officers at risk.
Montgomery County Police later confirmed the arrest of 18-year-old Ayden Joseph Cline from Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Investigators say he jumped onto a police cruiser while holding a lit flare, leading to charges including reckless endangerment and destruction of property.
Another suspect, 20-year-old Novorriya Gregory Smith Jr. of Lusby, Maryland, is accused of smashing the rear window of a police vehicle and engaging in inappropriate behavior toward an officer. He is also facing multiple criminal charges.
Both adult suspects are currently being held without bond as they await their next court appearances. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old connected to the February incident has been released into the custody of a parent.
Assistant Chief Darren Francke of the Montgomery County Police Department expressed concern over how these gatherings are changing in behavior and intensity. He noted that participants appear increasingly bold, no longer dispersing quickly when police arrive, but instead challenging authority and escalating situations.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Montgomery County Police Department, are continuing efforts to monitor and control illegal car rallies, which have become more frequent and unpredictable in recent months.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid such gatherings and report suspicious or dangerous activity. Investigations into both incidents remain active, and more updates are expected as officials work to prevent similar events from happening again.
