Suspected thief shot during late-night rockville incident shooter charged
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Suspected thief shot during late-night Rockville incident shooter charged

Rockville man charged with attempted murder after shooting on Highwood Road

ROCKVILLE, MD — A 20-year-old Rockville man is facing attempted murder and firearms charges after allegedly firing more than a dozen rounds at a man he suspected of trying to steal from a home on Highwood Road late Monday night.

Shortly after 10:00 p.m. on Monday, Rockville City Police responded to the 1100 block of Highwood Road for a report of shots fired. Officers determined that Joel Alberto Cubias confronted a person he believed was attempting to steal property from outside a residence. During the encounter, Cubias allegedly pulled a handgun and fired over a dozen times, striking the subject multiple times.

The wounded individual fled the scene and later showed up at a nearby hospital, where he was listed in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not released his identity.

Cubias remained at the scene following the shooting and was taken into custody without incident. Detectives later discovered that he was in possession of a stolen motorcycle and added a theft charge to a list of serious offenses. He was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit and charged with Attempted Murder, First- and Second-Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment, several firearm-related offenses, and Theft.

Investigators are continuing to examine the case, and additional charges may be filed as more evidence is reviewed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Rockville City Police Criminal Investigations Unit at 240-314-8938 or email Detectives@RockvilleMD.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

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Key Points

  • Joel Alberto Cubias, 20, was arrested after allegedly shooting a man he suspected of theft outside a Rockville home
  • Over a dozen shots were fired; the victim was hospitalized in stable condition
  • Cubias faces attempted murder and multiple other charges, including theft of a motorcycle
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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