NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
January 11, 2009 (12:45 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On January 10, 2009, at approximately 3:29 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue to the La Fonda Chiquita restaurant for reports of an armed robbery. Three armed gunmen entered the restaurant during its regular business hours and overtook the restaurant, pointing their handguns at the employees and patrons making demands. One of the suspects grabbed an employee and forced her at gunpoint to the rear of the business and demanded that she open the cash drawer. After taking money, the suspect then assaulted the employee striking her with the firearm. The other two suspects in the front of the store robbed the employees and customers of personal items, wallets, cell phones and jewelry. As they were leaving, one of the suspects raised his firearm and fired a round into the air.
The suspects are described as all wearing the same type of clothing: black jackets and jeans. They did not attempt to hide their identities. They were described by the victims as being young, ranging in ages from 18 to 25, Hispanic males. The suspects had been in the business earlier in the day.
There were no serious injuries to any of the victims.
Investigation continues under case #09001704. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.
Posted by Plevy at January 11, 2009 12:51 PM