Man pistol-whipped and kidnapped outside Costco in Wheaton

A man was pistol-whipped and then kidnapped after getting into a vehicle parked outside of Costco at Wheaton Plaza last Friday night, May 15, 2026. According to Montgomery County police, who did not clarify whether the kidnapper was posing as a ride-sharing or taxi driver, once the victim got into the vehicle he was shown a handgun. The suspect proceeded to pistol-whip the victim and took unspecified personal property. He then kidnapped the victim, drove to the victim's home, and forced him to retrieve additional property that was also then taken by the suspect. 

After the suspect drove off, the victim dialed 911, and was treated for his injuries at a local hospital. Police say the entire ordeal transpired between 8:30 and 11:45 PM Friday night. They have not released a description of the suspect. Police did not specify the reason the victim got into the vehicle outside of Costco, or what assumption he was under when he did so.