Two teenage boys have been arrested and charged in connection with a series of armed robberies at the same Bethesda, Maryland, store over three consecutive days, according to Montgomery County police.
Authorities say the teens targeted the Geste Beer and Wine store, located just off Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda. The first robbery occurred on July 8, when the suspects reportedly entered the store, threatened an employee with what appeared to be a firearm, stole cash from the register, and fled.
The following evening, July 9, police say the same individuals returned to the store and carried out a nearly identical robbery, again making off with money.
Using surveillance footage from both the store and a nearby Metro station, detectives identified the suspects and their description. On July 10, officers patrolling the area spotted two teens matching the description inside the store once again. As the suspects attempted to rob the register a third time, officers entered and took them into custody.
Investigators later confirmed the teens were responsible for the July 8 and 9 robberies. Both have been charged with two counts of armed robbery and one count of robbery. The case has been referred to the Department of Juvenile Services, and the teens are currently being held in a youth detention facility.
