Free-Range Kids, Snowplow Toilet, Squatters in $1M House: Top Stories of 2015 (ICYMI)

Editor’s Note: A look back at some of the most-read stories on Bethesda Patch in 2015.

BETHESDA, MD — Some of the most-read stories on Bethesda-Chevy Chase Patch this year made readers chuckle, such as the attack owl on a local trail and the motorized toilet turned snowplow. While some simply made you shake your head.

Here’s a look at 10 top stories from 2015.

Parents Who Let Kids Walk Home Alone Face Inquiry

Danielle and Alexander Meitiv of Silver Spring were investigated by Montgomery County Child Protective Services for letting their children walk home along Georgia Avenue from a park.

Children Allowed to Play Alone in Park, So Police Take Them

The latest chapter in a struggle between a set of parents and authorities who question their practice of letting their children walk to an area park and other destinations alone, unfolded one day with the kids spending several hours in a police car.

Missing Hoggle Kids Are Not Dead: Family

Family members of Sarah and Jacob Hoggle, missing for 9 months today, say Montgomery County Police are wrong to assume they are dead.

Homework: Describe How You Would Kill Teacher

A Montgomery County, MD, middle school teacher apologizes after she assigns a paper on how students could kill her.

Loo-Cy, Motorized Toilet, Flushes Snow from Sidewalks

David Goldberg of a Bethesda hardware store says of his hybrid, motorized toilet turned snowplow: “It’s all about the looks.”

Squatters Moved into $1M Bethesda House: Police

Montgomery County Police were called after a homeowner confronted a Kensington family who had moved in without buying the house.

Man Dies Two Days After Police Use Taser to Make Arrest

Montgomery County Police are investigating the death of a Burtonsville man who was reportedly high on PCP when officers stunned him.

‘Attack Owl’ Striking Joggers Captured on Video

Montgomery County Parks officials are warning users of a Bethesda trail to beware of a barred owl taking swipes at people’s heads.

Cat’s Dying Owner Writes Thank-You Letter to Whoever Takes ‘Susie’

Susie the cat was shy, having a hard time finding a new home. Then animal shelter staffers shared a heart-warming note that went viral.

FBI Hopes Facebook Helps Catch Fugitive ‘Family Annihilator’

A former Bethesda, MD, diplomat accused of killing his wife, three sons and mother with a hammer has been on the run for four decades.