Arrests Made in Gang-Related Assault in Silver Spring

Montgomery County police arrested three men from Aspen Hill, Rockville and Glenmont earlier this month as part of an investigation into a series of assaults and robberies in the Wheaton and Good Hope areas.

According to a statement from police, the investigation involves a street gang known as "Little R" or "La Raza."

On Nov. 4, Montgomery County police responded to the 1400 block of Silo Way in the Good Hope area of Silver Spring, where the victim, a 22-year-old man from Rockville, was attending a party.

What had started as a verbal dispute over beer escalated into an assault, and multiple people struck the victim's head repeatedly with broken glass bottles.  He sustained serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment, according to police.

On Nov. 8, detectives arrested and charged Andres Jose Cortez, 20, of the 3300 block of Hewitt Avenue in Aspen Hill with attempted second degree murder and first degree assault. Kevin Reynold Valdez, 19, of the 14000 block of Cove Lane in Rockville, was arrested and charged with first degree assault and conspiracy.

On Nov. 14, Cristian Javier Ayala, 17, of the 2600 block of Terrapin Road in Glenmont, was arrested and charged as an adult with first and second degree assault. 

All three were being held on bond and awaiting court dates.