News Releases

Detectives Investigate Two Robberies Committed During Online Sale Meet-Ups

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department – 4^th District Investigative Section are investigating two unrelated robberies in the Wheaton area committed by suspects who made arrangements to meet the victims and purchase items that the victims had offered for sale online.  Police urge residents to use the Montgomery County Police Department District Stations Safe Exchange Zones when exchanging items.

The investigation of these two robberies has determined the following:

On Thursday, July 6 at approximately 11:18 p.m., the adult male victim reported to police that he had posted an advertisement to sell a pair of tennis shoes on the Facebook “Marketplace” application. The suspect contacted the victim through the app and agreed to meet the victim to purchase the tennis shoes.  The victim and the suspect met to compete the transaction at the intersection of Randolph Road and Dalewood Drive in Wheaton.  During the exchange, the suspect produced a handgun and stole the tennis shoes from the victim.  The suspect, described as an African-American male, who is 5’8” tall and was wearing a black t-shirt and gray sweatpants, fled from the area in a blue Honda Accord.

On Saturday, July 8 at approximately 12:13 a.m., the adult female victim reported to police that she had posted an advertisement to sell a digital camera on the app “OfferUp”.  The suspect contacted the victim through the app and agreed to meet the victim to purchase the camera.  The victim and the suspect met in the 12000 block of English Orchard Court in Wheaton and during the exchange, the suspect assaulted the victim, stole the digital camera, and fled.  The suspect was last seen on foot toward Randolph Road.  The suspect in this robbery is described as a Hispanic male, 18 to 20 years of age, 5’8” tall with a slim build, and was wearing a multi-colored hoodie and khaki pants.

Anyone with information regarding these two robberies or the suspects is asked to call the 4^th District Investigative Section at 240-773-5530.  Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).  Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest in this case.

RLG

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Release ID: 17-205
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: robbery