Article update on Friday, January 2, with new information. Additional information, including surveillance video can be seen here.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) conducted a technical high-angle rescue early January 1 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, located at 6711 Democracy Boulevard in Bethesda, after two adults were found stuck on a ninth-floor ledge.
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.
(1/1) Technical Rescue 6711 Democracy Blvd, Embassy Suites Hotel, @mcfrs Special Ops Technical Rescue Team (high-angle rescue) assisted MoCo PD a collective public safety team worked in frigid temps to extract 2 adults from ledge on 9th floor, @MCFRS_EMIHS evaluated, no injury https://t.co/JOrL20qRsP pic.twitter.com/Uzjgnxizz7
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) January 1, 2026
