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Giant Food Employees Help Police ID Suspect Arrested For Assault In Maryland Store

Eagle-eyed employees at a Montgomery County grocery store assisted police in apprehending a man who attempted to return stolen merchandise for cash and assaulted an employee along the way. 

Rafael Stedman Diaz-Powell

Rafael Stedman Diaz-Powell

Photo Credit: Google Maps street view/Montgomery County Police
Rafael Stedman Diaz-Powell

Rafael Stedman Diaz-Powell

Photo Credit: Montgomery County Department of Police

Rafael Stedman Diaz-Powell, 25, who has no known address, returned to the scene of the crime and found himself behind bars for his troubles in connection to a strong-armed robbery over the summer.

On Tuesday, June 25, officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police were called before noon to the Giant Food in the 7100 block of Arlington Road in Bethesda, investigate a reported robbery.

Investigators say that Diaz-Powell walked into the store and attempted to return stolen items for a cash refund, and when that effort was rebuffed, he allegedly punched an employee in the face, snatched cash from another and fled the scene.

The investigation came to its conclusion when Diaz-Powell returned to the store, at which point employees recognized him, and alerted the police, who confirmed an unrelated outstanding warrant against him.

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

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