A rescue unfolded early Thursday, January 1, after an attempted armed robbery forced two men onto a narrow exterior ledge nine stories above the ground at the Embassy Suites Hotel, located at 6711 Democracy Boulevard in Bethesda.
According to Montgomery County Police, the incident began when a male suspect entered a hotel room armed with a handgun and attempted to rob multiple occupants. During the confrontation, two adult males inside the room fled what they believed was their safest escape route, a one foot wide ledge.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) were dispatched and initiated a technical high-angle rescue. According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the Special Operations Technical Rescue Team worked alongside officers from the MCPD in frigid conditions to safely remove both individuals from the ledge.
Fire rescue crews successfully brought both men to safety. EMS personnel evaluated them at the scene, and no injuries were reported.
Police took the armed suspect into custody without further incident. Authorities have not released additional details regarding charges. The investigation remains ongoing.
