News Releases

Detectives Investigate Commercial Robbery and Attempted Sexual Assault

For Immediate Release: Friday, February 17, 2023

Gaithersburg, MD – Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating a commercial armed robbery and attempted sexual assault that occurred on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the Claires in the 500 block of North Frederick Avenue. Detectives have released surveillance photos of the male suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him.  

The investigation by detectives has revealed that the suspect entered the store and approached the counter. After briefly chatting with the victim, the suspect stated he had a gun and demanded that the victim open the register. When the victim refused to comply, the suspect walked behind the victim and placed her in a chokehold. The victim complied and the suspect took an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect stated he had a gun, took the victim to the bathroom and attempted to sexually assault the victim.  When the victim refused to comply, the suspect hit her in the head multiple times before fleeing the store.

The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 30 to 40-years-old, wearing a faded blue jean jacket.  

Anyone with information regarding this suspect or this crime 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 the suspect. Callers can remain anonymous.  

# # #

Release ID: 23-092
Media Contact: CTDurham 
Categories: robbery