MARYLAND BRIEFING

montgomery county

Fire Displaces Families in Silver Spring High-Rise

Investigators suspect arson in a Silver Spring fire yesterday that displaced about 45 families from a high-rise apartment building, after firefighters found bedroom furnishings burning near a 13th-floor elevator, Montgomery County fire officials said.

Some residents were trapped on their balconies as they tried to escape heavy smoke throughout the 22-story White Oak Towers in the 11700 block of Old Columbia Pike about 5:30 p.m., said Pete Piringer, a Montgomery County fire department spokesman.

A 22-year-old man was taken to Washington Hospital Center with minor burns on his face, authorities said.

No residents had to be rescued, but officials called in 120 firefighters from Montgomery and Prince George's counties and told many residents to stay inside their apartments, Piringer said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 240-777-2263.

Teen Sentenced to 10 Years in Fatal Robbery

A Silver Spring teenager was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison for his role in the robbery of a 17-year-old Rockville youth who was also fatally shot last summer during a drug swindle gone awry.

Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge James L Ryan said Michael J. Manaugh had clearly masterminded the robbery that led to the slaying of Bijan M. Nassirdaftari.

Manaugh, 19, who pleaded guilty to armed robbery and testified for the state at the trial of the triggerman, apologized yesterday to the victim's family. "I can only offer my deepest and most sincere apology and hope you can someday accept it," he said.

Deputy State's Attorney Katherine Winfree had asked Ryan to impose a 20-year sentence. Manaugh's attorney asked for a more lenient sentence, citing Manaugh's remorse and his cooperation.

Nassirdaftari was fatally shot July 17, 2005, in Bethesda, while trying to buy a pound of marijuana from Manaugh and two of his friends. Ricardo Thomas, 21, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 40 years.