Update: After Receiving Tip, Police Make Arrest in Home Depot Theft

Luis Andres Portillo | MCPD

Update, Dec. 21: A tipster led police to Luis Andres Portillo, 29, of the 4100 block of Heathfield Road in Rockville, who has been charged with armed robbery, assault and theft offenses that he committed at the Home Depot in Aspen Hill on Dec. 2.

On Dec. 13, detectives released a surveillance photograph of the suspect to the media and public and asked for help in identifying him. Investigators received a tip which led to the identification of Portillo as the suspect.

On December 18, Portillo was arrested on the strength of a Montgomery County warrant charging him with one count of armed robbery, two counts of first-degree assault, and one count of theft: $100 to under $1,500. Portillo is currently being held without bail at the Montgomery County Detention Center, according to online court records.

The tipster who called Crime Solvers and provided information about this case is eligible for a reward and is asked to contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) and provide his/her tip number, police said.

Surveillance image | MCPD

Original post: Montgomery County police released a surveillance image Thursday hoping someone can identify a man wanted in connection of a theft and an assault on two employees at a Home Depot in Wheaton.

The incident occurred about 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Home Depot at 14000 Georgia Ave., a police statement said.

Police said a man stole a large spool of copper wire from the store and then concealed the spool near a tree line close to the store. After concealing the wire, the man left to retrieve his vehicle which was parked nearby, police said.

Two employees, one of whom had watched the man conceal the spool of wire, tried to retrieve the spool while he was gone, police said.

The man returned, threatened the employees with a knife, and stated “that’s mine”. The suspect loaded the stolen spool of wire into a black, Toyota RAV4 and fled, police said.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect or this theft and first-degree assault is asked to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5100.  Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).  Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest in this case.

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