A string of vehicle break-ins ended with two arrests after investigators tracked stolen items to a Gaithersburg motel, police said.
GAITHERSBURG, MD — A weeks-long investigation into a series of thefts from unlocked vehicles in Bethesda led Montgomery County detectives to a Gaithersburg motel, where they recovered stolen property and two stolen firearms before arresting two suspects.
According to the Montgomery County Department of Police, officers responded during the early morning hours of July 14 to multiple reports of thefts from vehicles in the areas of Broad Brook Drive, Enfield Road, Page Avenue and Locust Hill Road.
Victims reported a variety of stolen items, including electronics, personal belongings and work-related equipment.
Detectives reviewed surveillance footage that allegedly showed two individuals checking vehicle door handles before entering unlocked vehicles.
Investigators later tracked some of the stolen property to a Motel 6 in the 4900 block of Quince Orchard Road in Gaithersburg.
Police identified the suspects as Craig Pendergrass, 30, of Silver Spring, and Antonio Gordon, 38, of Frederick. Detectives determined the two men were staying in a room at the motel and obtained a search warrant.
According to police, Pendergrass was arrested after leaving the motel and was allegedly carrying stolen property belonging to multiple victims.
During the search of the motel room, detectives arrested Gordon and recovered numerous stolen items connected to the Bethesda thefts. Officers also recovered two firearms that had previously been reported stolen in a separate Montgomery County case.
Both men were taken to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit and charged with multiple counts of theft valued at $1,500 to under $25,000, rogue and vagabond, and related offenses.
Police said both suspects are being held without bond.
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Detectives arrested two men after investigating multiple vehicle break-ins in Bethesda.
- Stolen property was traced to a Gaithersburg Motel 6, where police recovered numerous stolen items and two stolen firearms.
- Craig Pendergrass and Antonio Gordon face multiple theft-related charges and are being held without bond.
