Elderly Man Tied Up in Home Invasion, Robbed

By DEB BELT (Patch Staff)

Three suspects were caught on video when they reportedly used credit and debit cards stolen from an elderly Kensington man who was robbed and tied up during a violent home invasion last month, say police.

One or more of the stolen credit cards was used recently to purchase items in Vienna, according to Montgomery County Police.

Montgomery County Police on Tuesday released photos of the woman who ambushed the Kensington resident after an unsuccessful attempt to talk her way into his house on the pretext of needing to use the bathroom. The robbery happened about 3 p.m. Nov. 9 when the 74-year-old homeowner denied two requests by the suspect to come inside. The second time the woman pushed the man, entered the home, and punched the victim in the face.

The suspect grabbed a sharp instrument she found in the residence, tied the man’s hands behind his back and threatened to stab and shoot him if he resisted, police say. The thief stole the victim’s bank and credit card, cash, and personal identification number.

Detectives released photographs of the female suspect and two other suspects who all reportedly used the Kensington man’s cards to buy merchandise and/or withdraw money from an automated teller machine.

The female suspect is described as a Hispanic female, possibly in her 40s, with a medium build, black hair, and wearing maroon colored clothing.

Investigators say the suspects used the victim’s credit cards at stores in Wheaton, Rockville, and Vienna, VA. The two new suspects are a man and younger woman who appeared to use the cards to withdraw money at an ATM.

Four other residents on nearby Wexford Court told police a woman matching this suspect’s description knocked on their front doors in recent weeks.

When one of the neighbors opened the door to the unknown female, the suspect said she was asking for donations; when pressed for more information about the charity, the woman could not provide answers. The other three residents did not open their doors to the victim, although one resident told investigators the woman pounded on the door for minutes.

Police ask that anyone with information about the suspects or breakin call the Major Crimes Division at 240.773.5070.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Solvers is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspects. Tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

»Photos of robbery suspects, courtesy of Montgomery County Police