Man Charged With Rape After Attack In Silver Spring Park: Police

SILVER SPRING, MD — A Hyattsville man is facing several charges after Montgomery County police said he confronted two women with a machete in a Silver Spring park before raping one and robbing them both.

Jose Roberto Hernandez-Penal, 20, is charged with first-degree rape, assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery following the Tuesday attack in Burnt Mills East Park, according to Montgomery County police.

Authorities on Tuesday were called to the Northwest Branch Trail in the 10700 block of Columbia Pike after receiving a report of a rape and an armed robbery. According to police, Hernandez-Penal approached two women on the trail around 2:40 p.m., displayed a machete, stole their property, and sexually assaulted one of the victims.

Hernandez-Penal then left the scene before assaulting a man near the 1100 block of Devere Drive, police said.

Hernandez-Penal was later located and taken into custody, police said.

According to a Montgomery County police news release, authorities believe Hernandez-Penal may have sexually assaulted other victims who did not report the crime.

Investigators are urging potential victims to call 240-773-5050 or Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at 866-411-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.