News Releases

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 1, 2019

The 4th District Patrol Investigation Unit is investigating a theft and the assault of four victims committed by three suspects at the Westfield Wheaton Mall that occurred on Monday, September 23. Today, the Police Department is releasing surveillance video of the two suspects and is asking anyone with information about the suspects or this crime to come forward to police.

At approximately 12:42 p.m. on September 23, 4th District officers were called to the Westfield Wheaton mall located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road for the report of a theft that had occurred earlier at the Target store. When the officers arrived, they were notified by security personnel that there was a disturbance at the opposite end of the mall. Officers then responded to the disturbance and would later determine that the suspects who had committed the earlier theft at Target were the same suspects involved in this incident.

Investigation revealed that after the suspects committed the theft at Target, they attempted to steal items from the Wheaton Beauty Supply store. When the owner confronted the suspects, two of the suspects began punching him. The suspects then began to assault (punch and kick) the owner's friend who had come to his aid and pepper sprayed both he and the friend.

A witness, seeing what was occurring, attempted to take a photo of the suspects with her cellular phone and tried to call police. One of the suspects grabbed her phone and smashed it on the ground. The two other suspects then began to assault (punch and kick) the witness.

The fourth assault victim was in his vehicle outside of the mall and observed the suspects assaulting the third victim. As this victim attempted to take a video of the assault with his cellular phone, he was pepper sprayed. The suspect then pepper sprayed the third victim.

The three suspects fled toward the Wheaton Metro.

Officers confirmed that the three suspects had stolen items from the Target store earlier that day.

Fire and Rescue personnel responded to the mall and provided medical treatment for the victims.

Anyone with information regarding these crimes or the suspects involved is asked to call the 4th District Patrol Investigation Unit at 240-773-5476. 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.