A group of armed robbery suspects crashed their getaway van into the back of a bus in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, Monday afternoon as police chased them, authorities say.
Two armed robbery suspects, both men, were arrested and firefighters had to rescue a third suspect who was trapped inside the dark-colored minivan, Montgomery County police said. The suspects were Natnael Akalu, 18, of Silver Spring; Wesley Jose Nunez, 18, of D.C.; and Lorezo Antonio Madrid, 19, of D.C.
Police said the chase began after an armed robbery at an apartment complex in the 9300 block of Piney Branch Road near the Prince George’s County line at about 2:40 p.m. Authorities were able to electronically track the robbery victim’s cellphone to the White Oak Shopping Center.
When officers tried to stop a Toyota minivan that fit the description of the robber's vehicle, the driver took off. The resulting pursuit headed south on Colesville Road and into busy downtown Silver Spring.
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It came to an end on Southbound Georgia Avenue, at Burlington Avenue, when the driver of the minivan slammed into the back of the stopped Metrobus at high speed. A Montgomery County police cruiser hit the minivan after it hit the bus, according to police.
The heavy impact jolted riders out of their seats, and the Metrobus driver yelled for everyone to get down on the floor for their safety.
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"It was a really aggressive hit," a rider who did not want to be identified said. "The bus was hit form the back. We saw smoke from the back of it. Initially the doors were open on the bus. We were then told to lay down and the doors were shut because police officers in the back all had their guns drawn."
Chopper4 video of the crash showed the front left side of the white four-door cruiser underneath the van.
Two men in the minivan were taken into custody while firefighters tore the vehicle apart to free the third. All three were taken to the hospital with not life-threatening injuries.
Police said they recovered one firearm. The suspects have been charged with armed robbery, use of a firearm during a violent crime, possession of a handgun and other related charges.
No officers were injured and none of the passengers on the bus had "serious injuries," police said.
Police said Georgia Avenue is closed off at the D.C. line as they investigate.
Stay with News4 for updates to this developing story.
