News Releases

MCP Alerts Community of Two Robberies of Business Owners; Detectives Believe Suspects Followed Victims Home

For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 18, 2021

Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating two robberies of Asian business owners that are believed to be related.  Both owners have restaurants in the Takoma Park/Silver Spring area, and investigators believe that the suspects followed the victims from their employment to their homes to rob them of business proceeds.

On January 7, at approximately 10:57 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 4^th District for the report of a robbery that just had occurred.  The female victim, an owner of a takeout restaurant in Takoma Park, arrived at her house and was approached by who she described as three black male suspects.  One of the suspects hit her on the head and stole her purse, which included business proceeds (cash) and her vehicle keys.   A male witness came to the victim’s aid and one of the suspects pointed a handgun at him and robbed the witness of his wallet.  The three suspects then fled in a vehicle.

 

On February 7, at approximately 11:03 p.m., officers responded to the robbery victim’s restaurant in Takoma Park for the report of a stolen vehicle.  During the day, an unknown suspect(s) had stolen her silver SUV which was parked outside of her restaurant.  Investigators believe it is probable that the vehicle keys stolen during the robbery were later used to steal the victim’s vehicle.

 

On February 16, at approximately 8:59 p.m., 4^th District officers responded to the report of a robbery that had just occurred in the area of the 1800 block of Briggs Road.  The female victim was driving from her carryout restaurant in Silver Spring to her home when she was rear-ended by a vehicle.  When she exited her vehicle to check on the damage and occupants of the other vehicle, two males, described as Hispanic, exited the involved-vehicle and threw her to the ground.  While one suspect pointed a handgun at the victim, the other suspect went in her vehicle and stole her purse.  Her purse contained business proceeds (cash).  The suspects fled in a silver SUV.

The next day, the vehicle stolen from the first victim (a silver SUV) was recovered unoccupied in the area of the second robbery.

Anyone with information about these robberies is asked to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773- 5070. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspect(s).  Anonymous tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online or via the P3 Tips app.

 

MCP offers the following robbery prevention tips for business owners:

• Employees and employers should remain alert and observant.  Take note of suspicious persons or vehicles around the business, especially at opening and closing time.

• Try to have at least two employees open/close the business, especially if it is dark.

• Try to use the most visible entrance to the business and avoid back/secluded entrances when opening/closing the business.

Bank Deposit Procedures

• Do not advertise that you are carrying the bank deposit.
• Make deposits during the daylight hours and go directly to the bank.
• Try not to carry cash out of your business.
• Stay alert and trust your instincts.  If you see suspicious people loitering near you or your vehicle do not approach or confront them. Call police.
• Do not always travel the same routes to and from work. Be observant and check often to see if you are  being followed.  Call police if necessary.

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Release ID: 21-070
Media Contact: Sergeant Rebecca Innocenti 
Categories: robbery