Police looking for women who assaulted store clerk during attempted baby formula robbery

GERMANTOWN, Md. (ABC7) — Montgomery County Police are hoping the public can help identify two women involved in a violent robbery attempt at a Germantown grocery store.

It happened at about 9 p.m. on August 11 at the Shoppers grocery store on Mateny Road.

"They approached one of the female clerks working behind the counter and one suspect demanded baby formula which the Shoppers keeps locked up in a secure cabinet," said Officer Rick Goodale with the Montgomery County Police Department. "The clerk told the suspect they can't just hand over the formula. The suspect became irate and at that point went around the counter and began to assault the clerk and demand the baby formula again."

Surveillance systems inside the store caught the whole thing on camera. The women are seen pushing a stroller through the store and then abandoning it during their assault on the clerk.

Detectives say it's unclear whether there's an infant inside that stroller, but they do think the women brought a toddler into the store with them. They say the child can be seen on camera watching the attempted theft as the women struggle with store employees.

"Obviously it's very concerning that they would be willing to expose a toddler to that kind of violence in a public setting like that," said Goodale.

As for the motive, Goodale says baby formula thefts are not uncommon.

Just a few weeks ago, detectives arrested a man accused of stealing $12,000 worth of baby formula from several stores in Montgomery County. They say he was stealing the formula and then re-selling it illegally.

"Baby formula is a high value item that can be stolen and easily re-sold on the street for people to make money. They re-sell it at yard sales, flea markets, on the streets and on the black market," he said.

But in this case, police don't know whether the women were trying to steal the baby formula to sell on the black market, or to feed their kids.

"If they live in Montgomery County, we have plenty of services available to mothers and families that are in need. Whether it's food, diapers, clothing - there are plenty of services available," said Goodale.

In the end, other store employees intervened and stopped the assault. After that, the women left empty-handed. The toddler is seen on-camera, leaving the store with them.

Montgomery County Police are asking anyone with information that could help identify the suspects to call the Major Crime Division at 240-773-5070. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Callers with information that leads to an arrest could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $10,000.