Giant Food Store Employees Assist Police in Identifying Wanted Suspect

For Immediate Release: Friday, October 4, 2024

Gaithersburg, MD – Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division have arrested and charged 34-year-old Rafael Stedman Diaz-Powell of an unknown address, with a commercial strong-arm robbery and assault that occurred on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the Giant Food store in the 7100 block of Arlington Road.

The investigation by detectives revealed that at approximately 11:30 a.m., Diaz-Powell entered the store and attempted to return stolen merchandise to receive a cash refund. The suspect proceeded to assault an employee and stole an undisclosed amount of money.

During the course of the investigation, detectives then identified Diaz-Powell as the suspect.

On Sunday, September 22, store employees observed Diaz-Powell at a Giant Food store in Kensington, recognizing him as a person of interest from an MCPD News Release, and informed nearby patrol officers.

Officers confirmed an unrelated outstanding warrant against Diaz-Powell and took him into custody.

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On Wednesday, September 25, detectives obtained an arrest warrant against Diaz-Powell for the June 25th event.

Diaz-Powell is currently being held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he has been charged with commercial strong-arm robbery and assault. He is being held without bond.

Release ID: 24-458
Media Contact: DBartels
Categories: arrest