Juan Herrera
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON (WMAL) – Montgomery County police are asking the public to help identify three suspects who committed theft and assaulted four victims at the Westfield Wheaton Mall.
According to police, the incident took place on Monday, September 23. Police said the suspects committed a theft at the Target at the mall and then attempted to steal items from the Wheaton Beauty Supply store.
The owner of the beauty supply store confronted the suspects and according to police, two of the suspects began punching him. Police said a friend of the owner attempted to help, but both individuals were pepper sprayed and assaulted by the suspects.
There were also two other victims involved in this incident. Police said a witness at the store was assaulted, had her phone smashed on the ground and was later pepper sprayed by the suspects. The fourth victim, who was in his vehicle, attempting to film the assault, was also pepper sprayed.
According to police, the suspects fled toward the Wheaton Metro. None of the victims were seriously injured.
The Montgomery County Police Department has released surveillance video and photographs from the incident and they are asking those who may recognize the suspects to come forward to help identify them.
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