NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
7500 Maple Avenue Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Det. Corporal Andrew M. John, Police Information Officer
301/891-7148 E-mail:andrewj@takomagov.org
April 25, 2007 (4:00PM)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Police Officials are investigating the report of a Strong-Arm Robbery which occurred on April 24, 2007, at approximately 9:11 PM, in the 7300 Block of New Hampshire Avenue, Takoma Park. Investigators learned that a group of 4 to 5 teenage boys attacked two Silver Spring residents as they were walking along the sidewalk. The victims were kicked and punched as the juveniles searched their pockets for money. One of the victims was transported to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries and released.
At approximately 9:56PM, Police Officials were summoned for the report of two additional Strong-Arm Robberies, one in the 100 Block of Philadelphia Ave and the second in the 7600 Block of Piney Branch Road, Takoma Park. In the first robbery, a Takoma Park resident was attacked by two teenage suspects who beat him and removed items from his pockets. In the second incident which occurred minutes later, Investigators learned that two similar teenage suspects approached a Silver Spring resident, assaulted him and removed items from his pockets. The suspects fled East on Grant Avenue on foot. The first suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 16 years of age, 5'11", heavy build wearing a tan shirt and dark shorts. The second suspect was described as a Black male, 16 years of age, unknown height or build and unknown clothing. The victim sustained minor injuries and refused medical treatment.
Investigators believe that these robberies were committed by two separate groups and are not connected with each other. Investigators believe the second set of robberies were committed by the same suspects. Chief Ricucci has stated In response to these recent robberies, additional plain clothes and uniformed patrols will be placed in the affected areas.
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D/Cpl. Andrew M. John
Takoma Park Police
Police Information Officer