MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Police are investigating a series of food truck robberies in Montgomery County that began in January.
According to a release from the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) Major Crimes Unit, the first robbery was reported on Jan. 23 at Elvira’s Kitchen Food Truck in the 14000 block of Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. Investigators say just before 3 p.m. two men walked up to the food truck, vaulted the barrier and climbed inside. An employee told officers they ran away after one of the men took out what they believed was a weapon.
The suspects took an undisclosed amount of money and ran away.
This is not the only instance of food trucks being robbed in this manner. Police say there have been four other robberies that all included suspects entering the food truck, taking out a weapon and stealing cash.
Maria Hernandez says her food truck, Pupuseria Luisa on New Hampshire Avenue in Takoma Park has been robbed twice this year.
"At night, I am scared. I have nightmares that I am working, and that they come up behind me yelling to give them the money," Hernandez told WUSA9.
Still photos from the surveillance video show the two suspects inside the food truck during the first incident on Jan. 13.
Hernandez says the two came in from the back door and in Spanish demanded they give up the money. She says one was carrying a large gun and the other a large black bag for the cash.
Two weeks later, on Jan. 28, it happened again. The second time, the men jumped in from the pickup window. The most recent robbery has prompted Hernandez to install iron bars.
Just a couple blocks up New Hampshire Avenue, a man robbed Pupuseria y Taqueria Lupita on Jan. 20. Police say the man jumped in from the window with a hammer. Once inside, he grabbed a butcher knife and threatened the employee. According to the owner, the man ran out the back door with cash and two cellphones.
Police say they received similar reports:
- Vanessa’s Pupuseria in the 8500 block of Piney Branch Road, on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at approximately 5:05 p.m.
- Pupuseria Luisa in the 6500 block of New Hampshire Avenue, in Takoma Park on Friday, January 27, 2023 at approximately 4 p.m.
- Pupuseria y Taquiera Lupita Food Truck in the 6400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, in Takoma Park on Friday, January 20, 2023 at approximately 3 p.m.
- Pupuseria Luisa in the 6500 block of New Hampshire Avenue, in Takoma Park on January 13, at approximately 2 p.m.
The suspects are described as two men between 18 and 25 years old with thin builds.
Anyone with information is asked to call toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).