SILVER SPRING, Md. — Maryland State Police are investigating an attempted robbery and assault of a flower vendor that occurred Sunday afternoon in Montgomery County. The incident took place on August 18, 2024, shortly after 3 p.m. on the exit ramp from Interstate 495 East to Route 650 South.
According to a preliminary investigation, a 64-year-old woman was selling flowers along the roadside when she was approached by the occupants of an SUV. The driver of the vehicle, which was stopped in traffic, called her over under the pretense of purchasing flowers. As the woman approached, one of the occupants reportedly grabbed her purse.
As the SUV sped away, the victim was briefly dragged and fell with the purse still attached to her. She was transported to Holy Cross Hospital for treatment of her injuries and was later released.
The SUV involved in the incident is described as a darker-colored vehicle with District of Columbia license plates. Authorities believe it was occupied by at least two Black males, one of whom was wearing a ski mask. The vehicle was last seen heading southbound on Route 650.
A “Be On the Lookout” (BOLO) alert has been issued to both the Montgomery County Police Department and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. The Montgomery County Police Department is assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Trooper Hershberger at the Rockville Barrack at (301) 424-2101.
