Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating an armed robbery that occurred on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Tobacco and Vape Zone in Germantown. Detectives have released surveillance photos of the suspects and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying them.
The preliminary investigation by detectives has revealed that at approximately 1 a.m., an unknown male suspect entered the business, displayed a machete, and walked behind the counter. The suspect demanded the employee walk to the back office. Once inside the back office, the suspect demanded money. When the employee victim failed to comply with the suspect's demands, a second suspect who had entered the business and walked into the back room, lifted his waistband to display a handgun. The suspects then began to fill a trash bag with items from the back office and then stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the register. It is believed that the suspects left the scene in a dark-colored Ford Escape.
Detectives reviewed the surveillance footage from the store and obtained a description of the suspects.
Both suspects are described as Black males, approximately 5-feet, 8-inches tall to 5-feet, 11-inches tall with a slim to medium build. The first suspect has black hair and was wearing a black jacket, white sweatshirt, blue jeans and black shoes. The second suspect was wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and black shoes.
Anyone with information regarding these suspects or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. Tips with information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward from $250 up to $10,000. Tips may remain anonymous.
