Chili's Offers $25K for Leads in Armed Robbery Case

has announced a $25,000 reward to anyone who can aid police in the search for two men who robbed the restaurant at gunpoint on May 26.  

The reward is being offered in addition to the $1,000 reward already available through Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, Maryland, Inc.

Police say two black men in their 30s, dressed in dark clothing, gloves and masks broke into a side entrance of the restaurant, located at 11428 Rockville Pike, around 11:40 p.m. on May 26 using a masonry-style hammer. One of the men was armed with a silver revolver. The other man was armed with a long-barrelled gun.

Four employees were present at the time of the robbery, including the restaurant manager. Three of the employees were forced into the kitchen's walk-in freezer. The manager was instructed to give the suspects cash, which they stuffed into a Husky-style black tool bag.

Lt. Robert Bolesta of the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division said the men are "extremely violent." Two Chili's employees were treated for non-life threatening injuries at local hospitals after the incident.

Although the restaurant is outfitted with surveillance equipment, there is no useful footage that can help police, Bolesta said.

Police believe these same two men are also responsible for the armed robbery of a Bob Evans Restaurant in Prince Frederick, MD on May 20. That crime is being investigated by the Calvert County Sheriff's Department.

If you have any information about these crimes, contact Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).