GAITHERSBURG, MD – Two Washington, D.C. men are behind bars after Montgomery County detectives say a late-night pizza shop robbery led to the capture of a suspect tied to a string of armed hold-ups across the county.
Authorities arrested 22-year-old Terrance Barfield and 18-year-old Jaylen Cunningham following an armed robbery at Manny & Olga’s Pizza in Bethesda on Wednesday night.
Investigators said the arrests came after officers conducting surveillance in the area spotted the suspects entering and leaving the restaurant before fleeing in a stolen vehicle.
At approximately 10:30 p.m., members of the 2nd District Special Assignment Team were monitoring the central business district when they observed two men walk into the pizza shop on Woodmont Avenue. Moments later, the suspects exited and drove off in a silver Hyundai Tucson that had been reported stolen in Prince George’s County a day earlier.
Surveillance leads to swift arrest
Officers followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop near Jones Bridge Road and Grier Road in Chevy Chase, taking both suspects into custody without incident. When police arrived at Manny & Olga’s, employees confirmed that an armed robbery had just occurred. One suspect reportedly implied he had a weapon and demanded money from the register before both fled with cash.
Detectives later identified Barfield and Cunningham as the two individuals involved. Further investigation connected Barfield to three additional armed robberies targeting pizza restaurants in Montgomery County.
Pattern of late-night robberies
Police said Barfield is suspected in robberies at Domino’s Pizza on St. Elmo Avenue in Bethesda on September 23, Pizza Hut on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring on September 28, and Papa John’s on 47th Street in Chevy Chase on October 1.
Both Barfield and Cunningham were taken to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where they were charged with armed robbery, motor vehicle theft, and related offenses.
Suspects held without bond
Authorities said both suspects remain in custody without bond as the investigation continues. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and working to determine if the men may be connected to other robberies in the region.