Armed Robbery - Community Advisory

On May 24, 2012, at approximately 11:33 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 7300 block of New Hampshire Avenue (parking lot) for reports of an armed robbery that had just occurred. The victim, a taxi driver, was flagged down by three suspects at Piney Branch Road and Arliss Avenue for a taxi ride to Hampshire Towers on New Hampshire Avenue. The suspects were driven to their requested destination and upon arrival requested to be driven to the 7300 block of New Hampshire Avenue. The victim complied and pulled his taxi in front of the building. The suspect, who was sitting in the back seat, began to choke the victim with both hands while demanding money. Another suspect told the victim to drive behind the building, however, the victim could not comply as he was still being assaulted. The suspect stopped the assault so that the victim could drive them to the rear of the building. The suspects then exited the taxi and forced the victim to get out as well. Once out of the taxi, another suspect grabbed the victim from the back and put a knife to the right side of his neck causing an approximate ½ inch laceration. The victim also suffered a laceration to his lower lip. The suspects threw the victim on the ground and began to go through his pockets for property. Property, as well as the victim’s shoes, were taken. The suspects were last seen running toward the rear of the parking lot and jumping over a fence and fleeing into a wooded area. The victim was transported to the Washington Adventist Hospital and treated for non-life threatening physical injuries.

Officers canvassed the area. Information was broadcast to surrounding jurisdictions. A mutual aid request was made to Prince George’s County Police K9 for a track of the suspects. The track went across Erskine Street and continued down 14th Avenue toward Hillwood Manor Park, where the track ended. The taxi cab was impounded for further investigation.

The suspects are described as:

Suspect 1: Black male, 19-24 years old, 5’5, 140-160 lbs., last seen wearing a white shirt and black pans.
Suspect 2: Black male, 19-24 years old, 5’5, 140-160 lbs., last seen wearing a black jacket, black pants and armed with a knife.
Suspect 3: Black male, 19-24 years old, 5’5, 140-160 lbs., last seen wearing a black shirt and blue jeans.

Investigation continues under case #12025204. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.


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