In Wake of Hotel Killing, Police Hold Safety Forum

Just two months after a hotel manager was shot and killed trying to stop a robbery, police held a safety forum at the same hotel in Oxon Hill.

On the evening of Oct. 22, an armed man entered the lobby of the Clarion Hotel on Oxon Hill Road, jumped over the counter and demanded money from the front desk clerk. The hotel's manager, 27-year-old Jesse Chavez was shot and killed trying to stop the suspect.

County leaders gathered Wednesday to help businesses learn how to safe-guard themselves from crime.

"Chavez is a hero, but we don't want these employees to take these matters into their own hands," Prince George's County State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks said.

Bubber Edwards, a manager at a neighboring grocery store on Oxon Hill, said the area has had its share of thefts and robberies.

"If they had security over there, I think [Chavez] wouldn't have gotten shot," Edwards said.

Three suspects have been charged in Chavez's death.

"One is too many and if we can provide the basic information to stop these things from occurring, then it is a win-win for all of us," Prince George's County Council member Obie Patterson said.

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