Rockville Man Charged In Theft, Assault At Aspen Hill Home Depot

ROCKVILLE, MD — Police say they have identified the knife-wielding robber who assaulted two Home Depot employees Sunday, Dec. 2 as Luis Andres Portillo, 29.

Portillo, a Rockville resident, faces armed robbery, theft, and two first-degree assault charges, according to court records.

The incident took place around 3:40 p.m. at a Home Depot store located at 14000 Georgia Ave. in Aspen Hill, Montgomery County Police said.

An investigation revealed that Portillo stole a large spool of copper wire from the store and concealed it near a tree line. Police said he then left the Home Depot to retrieve his vehicle, which was parked nearby.

Meanwhile, two store employees tried to retrieve the spool before Portillo came back. When Portillo returned, police said he threatened the employees with a knife and insisted that it was his wire.

After the encounter, the suspect loaded the stolen spool of wire in a black Toyota RAV4 and fled the scene, police said.

Portillo was captured in a surveillance photo, which authorities released on Thursday, Dec. 13 in hopes that the public could help identify the suspect. Investigators said a tipster helped them identify and arrest the suspect.

Police said they arrested and charged Portillo on Tuesday, Dec. 18. Portillo is currently being held without bond.

The tipster who called the county's Crime Solvers about this case is eligible for a reward. Police asks that the individual reach out to the Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) and provide a tip number.

Image via Montgomery County Police