ROCKVILLE, Md. — A man and woman were arrested Wednesday after a theft at a Rockville 7-Eleven escalated into a gun threat, prompting a rapid police response that resulted in the seizure of two firearms and a large quantity of marijuana, police said.

Key Points

Two suspects were arrested after a theft and armed threat at a 7-Eleven in Rockville.
Ricky Rene Sanchez, 31, faces multiple charges including firearm and drug offenses.
Marianela Rocha Sossa, 23, was also arrested and had an outstanding felony theft warrant.

Gun pulled during store theft

At approximately 2:00 p.m. on April 9, Rockville City Police officers responded to a 7-Eleven located at 13251 Atlantic Avenue in the Twinbrook neighborhood. According to officials, two individuals were shoplifting from the convenience store when one of them, identified as Ricky Rene Sanchez, 31, pointed a handgun at a store employee who confronted them outside.

Officers arrived shortly afterward and located both suspects nearby. Police said they were taken into custody without further incident.

Firearms and drugs recovered

A search following the arrest led to the recovery of a loaded handgun from Sanchez, as well as a second firearm discovered inside a bag. Officers also seized a large amount of marijuana allegedly packaged for distribution.

Sanchez, a Rockville resident who is legally prohibited from possessing firearms, faces multiple charges, including assault, illegal firearm possession, theft, and drug distribution. Police also linked him to recent firearm discharge incidents in the area, which remain under investigation.

Felony warrant discovered

The second suspect, identified as Marianela Rocha Sossa, 23, who has no fixed address, will be charged with theft. Police also discovered she had an outstanding felony theft warrant issued through the Rockville City Police Department.

Authorities credited patrol officers and detectives for their coordinated response. “It was the attention to detail by our patrol officers and the tenacity of our detectives that led to the seizure of two firearms from our community today,” said Chief Jason West.

A 7-Eleven stickup in Rockville ends with two arrests, two guns off the street, and a major drug bust.

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