Man barricades self in fitting room with knife at Wheaton mall; police working to resolve situation safely @nbcwashington

A man armed with a knife has barricaded himself inside a fitting room at a JC Penney store in the Wheaton mall. The incident occurred after a store employee spotted the man attempting to steal a watch and called 911. Police are currently working to peacefully resolve the situation.

DEVELOPING: Police say a man with a knife has barricaded himself inside a fitting room at JC Penney at the Wheaton mall. Per police, a store employee had seen the man trying to steal a watch & called 911. Police say they’re trying to get him to come out safely now @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/NPb3fEAx8C

— Aimee Cho (@AimeeCho4) December 6, 2023

A tense situation unfolded at the Wheaton mall in Maryland when a man armed with a knife barricaded himself inside a fitting room at JC Penney. The incident occurred after a store employee spotted the man attempting to steal a watch and immediately alerted the authorities by dialing 911.

Police swiftly responded to the scene and are currently working to ensure a safe resolution. Their primary objective is to convince the man to come out peacefully. As of now, the situation remains ongoing, and updates are being shared by local news outlets and witnesses on social media platforms.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by retail employees who often find themselves in difficult situations while trying to prevent theft. In this case, the employee’s quick thinking and immediate action helped to initiate a response from law enforcement.

The safety of both the man inside the fitting room and the surrounding individuals is of utmost importance. Police are trained to handle such situations with care, employing negotiation tactics to peacefully resolve the standoff. The hope is that the man will surrender without anyone getting hurt, allowing for a swift and safe conclusion to the incident.

Mall security has likely been heightened in response to the incident, ensuring the safety of shoppers and employees throughout the mall. It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and follow any instructions provided by law enforcement or mall security.

As the situation continues to develop, it is essential for the public to rely on credible sources for accurate information. Local news outlets and official police statements should be trusted over speculative social media posts. The Wheaton mall and JC Penney management will likely cooperate fully with authorities to ensure a swift resolution and the safety of their customers and employees..

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@AimeeCho4 said DEVELOPING: Police say a man with a knife has barricaded himself inside a fitting room at JC Penney at the Wheaton mall. Per police, a store employee had seen the man trying to steal a watch & called 911. Police say they’re trying to get him to come out safely now @nbcwashington