One person was shot and two others are sought as suspects after they tried to rob the driver of an armored truck on Monday in Hyattsville, Maryland, authorities say. They are believed to be responsible for a string of armed robberies of armored vehicle drivers.
The suspect was shot and seriously wounded by an undercover worker who had been tasked with protecting the driver of the armored truck, police said.
“This was three violent offenders who planned an attack and an armed robbery armed with weapons and an assault rifle,” Hyattsville Police Chief Jarod Towers said.
The three people tried to rob the driver of the armored truck as he loaded cash into an ATM at a Capital One Bank on Belcrest Road at East-West Highway, Hyattsville police said.
The suspects pulled up wearing black ski masks and tried to rob the driver. An undercover worker who was protecting the driver saw the attempted robbery and opened fire.
Officers responded at about 9:40 a.m.
Cellphone video shows the aftermath of the shooting, with guns drawn and a man seen on the ground.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
One of the suspects was taken to a hospital and was in critical condition, police said. Police did not immediately share information on whether any of the armored truck workers were hurt.
The other two suspects got away in a black Lexus and a black Honda. Police described them as heavily armed. The Lexus has four doors, damage to the front end, no front license plate and a Maryland temporarily license plate on the back.
Officers combed through evidence in the middle of the road, picking up cash and bloody clothing.
A woman who works in a nearby store described an increase in robberies and shootings in the area. She pointed to a bullet hole in the store wall, from someone who opened fire outside.
Police believe the suspects may be responsible for other violent crimes, including robberies of armored truck drivers. Anyone with potentially relevant information is asked to contact police. A reward of $10,000 is offered.
Streets in the area were still shut down as of midday.
News4 sends breaking news stories by email. Go here to sign up to get breaking news alerts in your inbox.
Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.