Silver Spring owner charged in assault of worker

By Amber Parcher, Gazette.net | May 23, 2009

Adane Mekonnen Ali, 33, of the 2700 block of University Boulevard West was charged with a second-degree sex offense, first-degree assault and false imprisonment. He is being held at the Montgomery County Detention Center on $250,000 bond.

Police say Ali, owner of the Addis Hair Salon at 11429 Grandview Ave., asked a 23-year-old female employee to stay after hours on May 6 to assist with a customer. When all other employees left, police allege Ali took the woman’s cell phone from her and said he wanted to talk.

When the co-worker refused to give Ali the phone, Ali allegedly pushed her onto a couch where he physically and sexually assaulted her. After the alleged assault, police say Ali forced the victim into his car and drove her home.

Calls to the Addis Hair Salon were not returned Friday.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Major Crimes Division Homicide/Sex Section at 240-773-5070 or the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000. Callers may remain anonymous.