2 People Robbed During Online Sale Meet-Ups In Wheaton: Police

WHEATON, MD — Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department are investigating two unrelated robberies in the Wheaton area, committed by suspects who made arrangements to meet the victims and purchase items that the victims had offered for sale online, police said.

On July 6 an adult male victim reported to police that he had posted an advertisement to sell a pair of tennis shoes on the Facebook “Marketplace” application. The suspect contacted the victim through the app and agreed to meet the victim to purchase the tennis shoes at the intersection of Randolph Road and Dalewood Drive in Wheaton.

During the exchange, the suspect produced a handgun and stole the tennis shoes from the victim, police said. Police describe the suspect as a black male, who is 5’8” tall and was wearing a black t-shirt and gray sweatpants at the time of the incident. He fled from the area in a blue Honda Accord, police said.

On July 8 an adult female victim reported to police that she had posted an advertisement to sell a digital camera on the app “OfferUp.” The suspect contacted the victim through the app and agreed to meet the victim to purchase the camera in the 12000 block of English Orchard Court in Wheaton, police said.

During the exchange, the suspect assaulted the victim, stole the digital camera and fled on foot toward Randolph Road, police said. Police describe this suspect as a Hispanic male, 18 to 20 years of age, 5’8” tall with a slim build. He was wearing a multi-colored hoodie and khaki pants.

Police urge residents to use the Montgomery County Police Department District Stations Safe Exchange Zones when exchanging items.

Anyone with information regarding these two robberies or the suspects is asked to call police at 240-773-5530. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest in this case.

Patch File Photo