Top Headlines: Backhoe Bandits, 'Pimp on the Pike' and Internet Sales Tax

Patch brings you news from across Montgomery County. Catch up on headlines you might have missed this week, including an SUV's fatal crash through an Aspen Hill bus stop, a family displaced by a fire in Montgomery Village, the latest on Wheaton redevelopment and more.

Masked Bandits' ATM Heist Using Backhoe Goes Bad 

POTOMAC—Three suspects removed an ATM from a bank wall in Potomac with the help of a backhoe, then fled the scene, leaving the ATM, and the cash, behind. Read more—and see the photos—on Potomac Patch.

‘Pimp on the Pike’ Sentenced

ROCKVILLE—The so-called "Pimp on the Pike" was sentenced to 20 years and six months, with 10 years suspended, for drug offenses and for running a prostitution ring out of a Rockville Pike hotel. Read more at Read more on Rockville Patch.

77-Year-Old Woman Fatally Struck at Aspen Hill Bus Stop

WHEATON— A 77-year-old woman was fatally struck by an SUV as she sat at a bus stop in Aspen Hill on Thursday, police said. Read more on Wheaton Patch.

Report: Gaithersburg Man Killed In Frederick County Crash

GAITHERSBURG—A Gaithersburg man was killed early Sunday morning in a single-car crash in Frederick County. Read more on Gaithersburg Patch.

Family of 6 Displaced By Town Home Fire in Montgomery Village

MONTGOMERY VILLAGE—"A $20 smoke alarm probably saved their lives," says MCFR spokesperson. Read more on Montgomery Village Patch.

Is Takoma Park Close to Hiring a New City Manager?

TAKOMA PARK—Acting city manager Suzanne Ludlow sat down with Patch to discuss the nine-month-long hiring process and her time holding down the post. Read more on Takoma Park Patch.

Businesses Look to Marketplace Fairness Act to Help Restore Local Economy

BETHESDA—Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot stopped by Union Hardware, a 99-year-old hardware store in downtown Bethesda, on Thursday morning to show his support for legislation that would require online retailers to charge sales tax, which, he says, would make online retailers less competitive with local businesses. Read more on Bethesda-Chevy Chase Patch.

Mi Cocina to Open May 10 in Friendship Heights 

CHEVY CHASE—Upscale Tex-Mex chain Mi Cocina, which opened two decades ago in Dallas, is opening its latest location in The Collection at Chevy Chase, between Christian Dior and Bulgari. Read more on Bethesda-Chevy Chase Patch.

Councilmembers Divided on Wheaton Redevelopment Approach

WHEATON— In considering options for Wheaton redevelopment and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission headquarters, members of the Montgomery County Council found themselves equally divided on how to move forward at a joint committee meeting Wednesday. Read more on Wheaton Patch.