Police said a man made antisemitic statements, assaulted a man and robbed him at a Giant grocery store in Gaithersburg on Wednesday.
The victim was taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, per a release from the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).
Police said Eugene Thompson, 30, also known as Michael Stewart, of Washington, D.C. was arrested and charged with first-degree assault and strong-armed robbery-related charges. Police said detectives are investigating and will work with the State’s Attorney’s Office regarding hate crime charges.
According to police, a man said he was shopping inside the Giant in the 18200 block of Flower Hill Way at about 3:50 p.m. when he saw Thompson and a group of male suspects “acting disorderly.”
The victim approached the suspects and asked them to stop, and the suspects then surrounded him. Thompson made antisemitic statements toward the victim, police said.
Then, Thompson allegedly physically assaulted the victim and made him lose consciousness. Police said Thompson and the suspects left the store and the victim’s keys were taken.
Officers and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) gave the victim medical treatment and he was taken to a hospital.
Then, officers found Thompson at McDonald’s in the 18200 block of Flower Hill Way and he was identified as the main suspect. He was arrested, and was found to have the victim’s keys following a search.
Police said Thompson is held without bond.
Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police have arrested and charged Eugene Thompson (a.k.a. Michael Stewart), with the strong-armed robbery that occurred on Wednesday, January 25, at the Giant grocery store in Gaithersburg.https://t.co/b4Th0hf8j4 #MCPD#Arrest pic.twitter.com/oGXTz97oEs
— Montgomery County Department of Police (@mcpnews) January 26, 2023
