News Releases

Detectives Seek Public’s Help to Identify Attempted Commercial Robbery Suspect; Surveillance Photographs Released

For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 5, 2017

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department – Major Crimes Division continue to investigate the September 21 attempted robbery of the Forever 21 retail store in Bethesda.  Today, investigators are releasing surveillance photographs of the suspect and are asking for the public’s help in identifying him.

On Thursday, September 21 at approximately 5:30 p.m., 2^nd District officers responded to the Forever 21 store within the Westfield Montgomery Mall located at 7101 Democracy Boulevard.

The investigation by detectives revealed that the suspect entered the store and concealed merchandise inside of a shopping bag.  A store employee confronted the suspect and a struggle ensued as the employee attempted to stop the suspect from leaving the store with the stolen merchandise.  During the struggle, the suspect produced a can of pepper spray and attempted to spray the employee.  The suspect then dropped the bag of stolen merchandise and fled from the store.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about this attempted robbery is urged to call the Major Crimes Division; Robbery Section at 240-773-5100.  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 and/or an indictment for this crime.

RLG

# # #

Release ID: 17-312
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: robbery