News Releases

Detectives Ask for Public's Help in Identifying Westfield Wheaton Mall Assault Suspects; Surveillance Video Released

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Detectives from the 4th District are investigating the first-degree assault of a store employee and a theft committed by two female suspects at the Westfield Wheaton Mall.  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 8:30 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2019, 4th District officers were called to the Westfield Wheaton Mall located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road for the report of a theft and assault that had just occurred.

Investigation determined that the two female suspects went to the Smart Fix shop to have a cellular phone screen repaired.  When the male employee completed the repair, one of the female suspects asked to see the phone so she could make sure that it worked.  The employee gave the suspect the phone and both suspects fled from the business without paying for the service.

The employee ran after the suspects and became involved in an altercation with them.  During the altercation, one of the suspects swung a knife at the employee and told him to "back away."  The suspects were last seen running from the mall.

Anyone with information regarding the suspects is asked to call the 4th 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.

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Release ID: 20-015
Media Contact: Rebecca Innocenti 
Categories: assault, theft