Pregnant woman pepper sprayed, punched in stomach, robbed by police impersonators on Eastern Shore
SNOW HILL, Md. - Authorities are searching for a group of armed police impersonators who reportedly punched, pepper sprayed, and robbed a pregnant woman they pulled over on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
The incident happened around 6 p.m. Thursday near Whiton Road and Snow Hill Road in the Snow Hill area of Worcester County.
The 38-year-old woman said she was driving a rented car from New York to Norfolk, Virginia when a vehicle displaying red and blue lights pulled her over. The woman told police that a man approached the driver's side window and shot pepper spray into the vehicle before holding a towel covered in the spray to her face. The woman was able to get out of her vehicle but the suspect then punched her in the stomach.
A second man, who was armed with a handgun and was wearing a badge around his neck, stole her purse and a jeweled belt, the woman said. A third suspect remained near the back of the vehicle.
The first suspect is described as an African American male with short hair and a full beard. The victim told police he was wearing a black suit, white shirt and tie.
The second suspect is described as an African American male who is bald, with no facial hair, and was wearing black pants and a white shirt. The victim said he was armed with a handgun.
The third suspect is described as a white male, with either a shaved head or short hair. He was wearing a zippered black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.
The vehicle driven by the suspects is described as a black Chevrolet SUV, with unknown Maryland plates.
The men fled the scene after the robbery. Police say they searched the area overnight but were unable to locate the vehicle or the suspects.
The woman was treated and released last night from a nearby hospital. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 410-749-3101 or 410-641-3101.