Robbery Unit Detectives Catch Suspects In The Act And Thwart A Restaurant Robbery

Two detectives assigned to our Robbery Unit caught two robbery suspects in the act on Sunday. The detectives were out investigating an earlier robbery at a pizza restaurant in the 9000 block of Annapolis Road in Lanham. At approximately 11:30 am, Detective Munawar stepped outside of the business to look for the suspect’s car that had been seen in the area. Shortly after walking outside, the detective saw two men wearing masks approach the front door. As one of the suspects opened the door, the second suspect spotted the officer. The suspects then ran toward a nearby neighborhood. Detective Munawar followed and saw them get into a car. With the assistance of patrol officers, the car was stopped on Washington Boulevard. Three guns were recovered from the vehicle.

 

Tony Barber

 

Niko Boswell-Johnson

The suspects are 26-year-old Tony Barber of the 1900 block of County Road in District Heights and 25-year-old Niko Boswell-Johnson of the 2100 block of Alice Avenue in Oxon Hill. They are charged with attempted armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and handgun charges. Detectives are working to determine whether they are linked to any additional robberies.

 

In an unrelated case, we have the same detective and the same excellent police work. One week ago, Detective Munawar also arrested another robbery suspect minutes after that suspect robbed a convenience store in Mount Rainier. Knowing that there was a nearby Metro station that the suspect could use to flee the area, the detective headed straight to the station. With the assistance of Metro employees, the suspect was located on a train platform and taken into custody. A loaded handgun was recovered. The suspect has been linked to additional robberies as well. 

 

Anyone with information on these cases is asked to call the Robbery Unit at 301-772-4905. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)