News Releases

Detectives Investigate Series of Food Truck Robberies; Surveillance Video Released

For Immediate Release: Friday, February 10, 2023

Gaithersburg, MD – Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police- Major Crimes Division and Takoma Park Criminal Investigations Division are investigating a series of commercial robberies that began in January 2023. Detectives have released surveillance photos of the suspects and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects believed to be responsible for multiple food truck robberies in Montgomery County and Takoma Park.  

On Monday, January 23, 2023, 4th District officers responded to Elvira’s Kitchen Food Truck in the 14000 block of Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring for the report of a robbery that just occurred. The preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 2:55 p.m., two Hispanic male suspects approached the food truck, vaulted the barrier and climbed inside. Once inside, one of the suspects began to pull an object from his waistband. Believing it was a weapon, the employee fled the truck. The suspects stole an undisclosed amount of money and fled the scene in an unknown direction.  

During the following robberies, the suspects entered the food truck, displayed a weapon and stole an undisclosed amount of cash at the following locations:  

Vanessa’s Pupuseria in the 8500 block of Piney Branch Road, on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at approximately 5:05 p.m. 

Pupuseria Luisa in the 6500 block of New Hampshire Avenue, in Takoma Park on Friday, January 27, 2023 at approximately 4 p.m. 

Pupuseria y Taquiera Lupita Food Truck in the 6400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, in Takoma Park on Friday, January 20, 2023 at approximately 3 p.m. 

Pupuseria Luisa in the 6500 block of New Hampshire Avenue, in Takoma Park on January 13, in Takoma Park on Friday, January 13, 2023 at approximately 2 p.m. 

The suspects were described as two Hispanic males, approximately 18 to 25-years-old with a thin build.  

Anyone with information about these robberies is asked to contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of these suspect(s). Callers may remain anonymous.   

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Release ID: 23-082
Media Contact: CTDurham 
Categories: robbery