Money Bag From Armored Car Lost Along I-270

Drivers along Interstate 270 this morning who thought they might have had a Halloween treat when a money bag fell from an armored car are being asked by the Maryland State Police to give the money back or face theft charges.

About 8 a.m. Oct. 31, an armored transport vehicle from the GardaWorld security company was traveling north on I-270 near Route 80. The preliminary investigation indicates a door lock malfunctioned, causing a door to open on the side of the armored container, according to a police press release. A bag of cash fell out into the fast lane of I-270, spreading cash into the air and across the highway, police said.

The armored vehicle driver moved to the shoulder of the interstate as quickly as possible but not before serveral driers behind him stopped to pick up the runaway loot. Apparently, when a fire department official stopped at the scene as a precaution and activated the car’s emergency lights, the stopped motorists all left the area, police said in a release.

When Maryland State Police troopers responded to the scene and searched the area using a K9 team, they recovered just over $200. A total amount lost is not known at this time and is being assessed by Garda officials, police said.

Motorists who picked up the cash are reminded it is not their money, according to the MSP. Recovered cash can be turned in at the Frederick Barrack of the Maryland State Police. Persons who took the cash from the highway and do not return the money could face theft charges if the continuing investigation leads to their identity, according to police.

About Krista Brick

Krista Brick is a multi-media journalist with Montgomery Community Media.

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