Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect linked to a series of armed robberies at gas stations in Gaithersburg and Germantown.
Authorities have released surveillance images of the suspect as part of their ongoing investigation.
The first two incidents occurred on Thursday, Feb. 20. At approximately 11:15 a.m. and 11:46 a.m., a male suspect carried out armed robberies at the Liberty Gas Station in the 600 block of South Frederick Avenue and the Sunoco Gas Station in the 19200 block of Frederick Road.
Investigators say the suspect entered each gas station, picked up items, and approached the register.
He then pulled a large kitchen knife from his coat, pointed it at the cashier, and demanded money. After taking an undisclosed amount of cash, he fled the scene.
On Sunday, Feb. 23, at approximately 8:45 p.m., 6th District officers responded to an armed robbery at the Exxon Gas Station in the 7900 block of Muncaster Mill Road.
Police say the suspect bought a pack of gum before pretending to leave.
Moments later, he returned to the counter, brandished a large kitchen knife, and attempted to stab the cashier. The employee was able to take cover behind the counter and lock the door, forcing the suspect to flee empty-handed.
After reviewing surveillance footage, detectives believe the same suspect is responsible for all three robberies.
The suspect is described as a White or Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing between 170 and 190 pounds.
He was last seen wearing a large black coat, a blue knit hat, a white and black button-down shirt, and red and black sneakers.
Anyone with information regarding this suspect or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477.
A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Tips may remain anonymous.
