News Releases

Major Crimes Detectives Investigating Carjackings in Downtown Silver Spring

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Major Crimes detectives continue to investigate four armed carjackings that have occurred within the last ten days in the downtown Silver Spring area.  In three of these four carjackings, the victims left their vehicles running and/or unattended.  Detectives are looking into the possibility that these carjackings were committed by the same suspects.

Below is a summary of the four armed carjackings that have occurred in downtown Silver Spring since September 19:

• On Saturday, September 19 at 6:35 p.m., a delivery driver in the 8600 block of Cedar Street was confronted by a suspect who was armed with a handgun. The suspect demanded the keys to the victim’s vehicle and the victim complied.  Another suspect also pointed a gun at him.  The first suspect fled in the victim’s vehicle while the second suspect entered another vehicle.  The victim’s car was later located abandoned in Washington, D.C.  See previous press release.

• On Saturday, September 19 at 9:43 p.m., the victim had left his vehicle unlocked, unattended, and running in the 8100 block of Colesville Road while he ran an errand. The victim returned to his vehicle and observed two suspects inside his car.   The victim confronted the suspects and one suspect displayed a handgun and threatened the victim.  The suspects stole the victim’s car and fled.   The victim’s car was later located abandoned in Washington, D.C. See previous press release. 

• On Tuesday, September 22 at 10:00 a.m., the victim had exited his car while leaving it running in the 8000 block of Georgia Avenue. The victim was immediately confronted by three suspects, one of whom was armed with a handgun.  The suspects demanded property from the victim and then assaulted the victim.  The suspects stole the victim’s car and all three suspects fled in the vehicle.  The victim’s car was later located abandoned in Washington, D.C.

• On Tuesday, September 24 at 6:03 p.m., the victim left the keys inside his vehicle and left it running as he walked to the ATM in the 8700 block of Georgia Avenue. When he returned to the vehicle one of three suspects pointed a handgun at him and then all three suspects fled in his vehicle.  The victim’s car was later located abandoned in Washington, D.C.

Anyone with information about these armed carjackings is asked to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5100.   Callers may remain anonymous. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).   Tips may also be submitted online here: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pol/howdoI/crime-solvers.html

Crime Solvers may pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest in this case.

MCP reminds residents that they can lower their risk of becoming a victim of auto theft by following these safety tips:

Don’t leave a vehicle running if unattended.

Keep your vehicle keys with you at all times, and never leave a spare key or valet key in your vehicle. Note: Valet keys can be used to start the vehicle.

Close and lock all vehicle windows and doors when leaving vehicle unattended.

If your vehicle has a “push-button” ignition system, make sure that the vehicle is turned off and locked before you leave it unattended.

Park in well-lit and well-traveled areas.

Park in a secure garage if possible.

Use a car alarm and/or anti-theft device.

Use a vehicle locator device.

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Release ID: 20-371
Media Contact: Rick Goodale 
Categories: carjacking