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
September 26, 2012 (3:44 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As a result of pro-active details and comprehensive investigations by the Takoma Park Police Department, Interim Chief Drew Tracy announces an arrest for the commercial armed robbery of the Advance Auto Parts store, as well as arrests of three repeat felons for numerous burglaries in Takoma Park and surrounding jurisdictions.
Steven Ray Williams, 42, of Frederick, Maryland, was arrested for armed robbery, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, 1st and 2nd degree assault, false imprisonment and theft over $1,000. On September 16, 2012, at approximately 7:47 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 6300 block of New Hampshire Avenue, the Advance Auto Parts store, for a commercial armed robbery in progress. Two suspects entered the establishment and posed as customers. One of the suspects brandished a handgun and ordered one of the victim’s to the manager’s office and restrained her with flexi-cuffs. Both suspects removed currency from the cash drawers and then ordered the manager to open the safe and then restrained him with flexi-cuffs. One of the suspects accosted a customer in the establishment and also restrained him with flexi-cuffs. At various times, the suspects would take off and put back on their masks. The suspects demanded one of the victim’s show them the back door to which he complied. Both suspects fled from the establishment out the back door on foot. The victim’s were not seriously physically injured. After media outlets reported the crime, as well as showing video footage of the suspects, tips were received by Takoma Park Police about the suspects which led to the retrieval of investigative evidence linking Williams to the armed robbery. A search warrant was issued and numerous items of evidentiary value were retrieved. Williams is also responsible for two other Advance Auto Parts robberies in Montgomery County, Maryland. Additional suspects have been identified who were involved in this armed robbery. Warrants have been issued for their arrests and information on those suspects will be released after they are in custody. Williams is being held at the Montgomery County Detention Center.
This was an excellent investigation by Takoma Park Police, and a great cooperative effort with the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division and the Special Investigations Division leading to the arrest of the commercial armed robbery suspects.
An upsurge in burglaries during the months of August and September resulted in numerous residential burglaries in Takoma Park. During investigation, several key suspects were developed. A warrant was issued and served on Shamount Campbell, 22, of Takoma Park, Maryland, for 1st degree burglary and malicious destruction of property. Campbell is currently incarcerated in Clarksburg, Maryland. Campbell, along with Antwain Whitfield, 22, of Washington, D.C., and Matthew Starks, 24, of Hyattsville, Maryland, are responsible for at least five of the Takoma Park residential burglaries, as well as burglaries in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and Washington, D.C., where stolen vehicles were utilized in several of the burglaries. An additional arrest was made of Chiquita Jenkins, 24, of Washington, D.C., who is believed to be responsible for at least one burglary. Takoma Park Police believe they are responsible for other burglaries that have occurred in Takoma Park, and surrounding jurisdictions. We are awaiting evaluation of forensic evidence in several cases.
Takoma Park officers and detectives are following up on all leads and are working closely with other jurisdictions. The exchange of information between jurisdictions, as well as tip information from citizens, is proving helpful in our investigations. We will continue to update you as we make progress in these on-going investigations.
*Photographs are not available at this time pending further investigation.
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