WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery County police have released surveillance video of a man suspected in three carjackings at a Wheaton shopping area, and say he may have cut himself in one of the incidents.
The latest of the crimes happened Sunday afternoon at Westfield Wheaton Shopping Mall. Montgomery County Police say the suspect, armed with a possible box cutter, approached a 77-year-old man outside the Target just before 2 p.m.
The suspect ordered the man into his car and drove him around, possibly attempting to withdraw cash from the victim’s bank accounts. The suspect beat the man in the face and head and cut him.
The suspect left the victim and his vehicle in the 3500 block of East-West Highway in Hyattsville where passersby called police. The victim was treated for serious injuries.
In the other two kidnappings and robberies, shoppers were loading groceries in their cars in the Giant parking lot in the same area when a suspect armed with a sharp object — possibly a box cutter — carjacked them.
In both instances, the victims — a 60-year-old man on Saturday and a 75-year-old man on Wednesday — were driven to ATM machines to withdraw cash. Police say the suspect may have cut one of his fingers during the first incident, which occurred Nov. 23. The second incident took place Nov. 26.
The suspect is described as a black man, with medium complexion, between 35 and 45, about 6 feet tall, weighing between 175 to 180 pounds. At the time of the Nov. 26 incident he was wearing dark-colored jeans and a black jacket. On Nov. 23, he was described as wearing a black baseball cap, gray sweatshirt and dark-colored jeans.
Video of the suspect taken from the Target store is below:
Sidney Woods, director of marketing at the mall, says the mall is adjusting security coverage in cooperation with police following the incidents.
“The safety of our customers and employees is always a priority for Westfield,” Woods says.
Woods also encouraged shoppers to follow general holiday safety measures, including:
- Beware of distraction scams. Strangers may approach and try to distract in an attempt to take your money or belongings.
- Make sure car windows and doors are locked. Don’t leave valuables or shopping bags in plain view.
- Be careful if carrying a purse or wallet. These are prime targets for criminals in crowded areas. Keep purses tucked close and wallets in an inside jacket pocket.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Don’t overload yourself or your vehicle with packages. You need clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid accidents.
Police are looking into whether there is any usable video of the incidents. Anyone who has information about any of these crimes is asked to call the Major Crimes – Robbery Section at 240-773-5100. Callers can remain anonymous. Call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll free at 1-866-TIPS (8477) or 240-773-8477.
Crime Solvers offers a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information provided it leads to an arrest and/or indictment of the person responsible for the crime. Anonymous tips can also be provided by typing “MCPD” plus the tip on a cellphone or PDA and texting it to 274637 (CRIMES).
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