MARYLAND (AP) – Two men have been arrested in connection with a thwarted bank robbery plot that included the kidnapping of a Prince George’s County family.
Maryland state police say Yohannes Surafel of Washington DC held the family at gunpoint Saturday morning, while ordering them to drive to the bank where the mother worked. A state trooper arrested him during a traffic stop.
Surafel faces numerous charges, including assault, kidnapping and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
Another man, Yosef Tadele of Silver Spring, has been arrested and police expect to charge him.
Surafel and Yosef are accused of holding the bank manager and her family overnight at her Clinton home on Friday. Police are searching for the third suspect.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND, POLICE
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND
(College Park, MD) – Working with the Prince George’s County Police Robbery Squad, Maryland State Police investigators have charged two men in connection with the kidnapping of a Prince George’s County family as part of a plot to rob a Silver Spring bank yesterday.
The first man is identified as Yohannes T. Surafel, 24, of the 400-block of Cedar Street, Washington, D.C. Surafel was the man holding the family at gunpoint in the car yesterday morning and arrested by the Maryland state trooper who stopped the car for swerving on I-495 near Rt. 1.
Surafel is charged with four counts of first degree assault, four counts of second degree assault, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of kidnapping a child under 16, four counts of false imprisonment, four counts of reckless endangerment, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and use of a handgun in the commission of a felony. After his release from the hospital last night, Surafel was taken to the Prince George’s County central booking facility where he was charged and is being held.
The second man charged is identified as Yosef Tadele, 23, of the 4100-block of Colie Drive, Silver Spring, Md. Tadele was arrested at the State Police College Park Barracks shortly before 5:00 a.m. today, after meeting with police investigators. Tadele was taken to the Prince George’s County central booking facility where he is expected to be charged with four counts of conspiracy to commit first degree assault, four counts of conspiracy to commit second degree assault, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of kidnapping a child under the age of 16, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
Both men are charged in connection with the overnight kidnapping of a bank manager and her family in Clinton, Md that began Friday evening. After Surafel’s arrest yesterday morning, investigators from the Maryland State Police and the Prince George’s County Police Robbery Squad have worked continuously to piece together the facts of the case while identifying and apprehending other suspects.
During the night, investigators determined Tadele drove Surafel and another suspect to the Clinton home of the bank manager and dropped them off prior to the kidnapping Friday night. Investigators also believe Tadele picked up the other suspect who was with Surafel in the victims’ house Saturday morning, after Surafel and the family left for the bank. Tadele came to meet with police at the College Park Barracks last night and, after further investigation, was arrested and charged as a co-conspirator.
Police investigators continue to work to identify and prepare charges for the third suspect. At least one additional arrest is expected in this ongoing investigation.
CONTACT: Mr. Gregory Shipley
Office of Media Communications & Marketing
Prince George’s County Police
410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer)
52 thoughts on “2 Ethiopians in Maryland arrested in bank robbery plot”
this is the fruit of their labor. They tried hard to get it or die trying. keep it up dudes
What the f**ck is this.I think All the robers and majirat mechi from Piassa and Doro Manekia went to Dc through Dv Lottery.KIKIKIKIKIKIKKI
what’s wrong with us?
robbing and kidnaping are not our identitity.we are wonderful and peacful and hospitable people every aspect.
please be advesed, our comunuity has a enormus responsiblitiy to aviod this kind of things.
God bless eppl.
ሌባ …….ሌባ….ቻው!!!!
I’m glad they caught u on time. u will learn in hard way..
ወያኔወች ገቡ እዚህ ደግሞ እማንሰማው ነገር የለም ዘንደሮ
It is really sad, if it is true. Cos we are all left our beloved country to become sombody in the diaspora…….but this is not the way we have to achieved our dreams or goals….ALAREF YALECH TAT ARE TENQULA TEWETALECH NEWUNA NEGERU……wrong kind of copycat…..if you did the crime….serve up the time….a lesson to the rest of us in the diaspora.
such kind aimless people not represent all the good one
1. I hope the authorities will lock these idiots for life and throw away the key.
2. I hope the Ethiopian Community and Ethiopian churches in and around DC will not try to rally around these rotten apples, and thus effectively sully Ethiopians and their credibility in the USA.
3. For those who think crime crime doesn’t pay, it pays a lifer.
4. I am sorry for the families of these losers.
ምነው ወገን! We are given label because of our colour. Is that not be enough? We knew Ethiopians leave their country for political reason or study. Is there status for thieves? This is not our identity these guys should be punished and sent back to their government ወያነ. Genuine Ethiopians in exile don’t have excuse for them.
what useless bunch of guys … a little brain would have saved them, shiiiitoch.
This is for the first comment by Akeldama, what kind of mentality do you have? You got nerves to encourage young Ethiopians who are desperate to commit gangsta type crime, you must have been cynically attached to the violent rap generation, we Ethiopian have a different quote, we say “Try and keep trying” not like “not dying by committing crimes”. The US government and its people have received us in their own country and have given us the chance to work and support our families an relatives back home, we are given the same rights as their own citizens and now we return the favor by kidnapping and robbing them while giving a bad name for other innocent Ethiopians. This the problem when Ethiopians of our generation start increasing in numbers at one place specially rotten people like you. Try to be a genuine Ethiopian.
God Bless Ethiopia and the United States, the Land we are living in freely.
This is very strange. Did not we Ethiopians come to this land to live the American dream through a hard work? Hey Dads and moms, make sure to watch out with whom and where u kids hangout. I heard two or three weeks ago that another Ethiopian man was gunned down in Maryland while trying to robe a bank. It does not look like this is going to give a good name to the Ethiopian American’s in the DC area. Community and the church leaders may need to give attention to this issue.
I strongly agree w/Dani’s comments.
Such are corrupt and criminal gangsters that caused the misery of the Ethiopian people back home for so long. One by one they will be subjected to severe punishments. They are anti establishments and anti people. Their limitless appetite of owning what is not theirs will eventually drive them to self-destruction. I say, “well done Maryland State Police! and keep on chasing them all, as they have nowhere to hide.”
Dani,
your generalization is wrong! People who came through DV don’t commit this kind of stupidity. Please think before you post your comment.
It is sad to hear this horrified news
I think these guys were leboch in addis. This DV will bring more lebas to us.
Our young children are going through a unique phase.
The community must wake-up and do something about it, we are in touble. We Ethiopians are law abiding people and the action of few should not tarnish our image.
It is sad and embarrassing for all Ethiopians to hear such a bad news. Look what is happening to this generation and where is it going to end? Brothers and Sisters, please wake up and let’s focus on the solution. We need to unite and pray together for God to give us his mercy.
wow, it is great that the robbers’ attempt failed and the lives of the innocent family saved. I hope Ethiopians who have close contact will fully cooperate with the police.
God bless the United States and Ethiopia
It is indeed sad news. These guys should be either working or studying something honorable to live like every body else. Crime does not pay. It is unusual for the thriving DC Area Ethiopian community to hear or witness such kinds of crimes committed from non other than their own offsprings. That truly hurts. We Ethiopians have been model immigrants to ourselves, to our host country and its citizenry…and would like to keep it that way!
Having said that though, we need to realize that as we assimilate and fully integrate in American society, some of us are bound to drift and adopt bad habits. There is no justification for such acts, but as our numbers increase, so does the number of ‘bad apple’ amongst us. At the heart of this matter is parental control and lack of education. Sad but fact of life.
Parents, the elderly, religious and community leaders need to interfere and make their voices heard to stop these shameful acts from ever happening again. Although this bad news depresses us all, relatively speaking, we still have a pretty good name, but we need to work harder to live up to our tradition and heritage. God help us all!
Where the hell are their families? my heart goes out to the poor family who raised these 2 Morons but then again 24 years old man souldnt do this crime ,they suppose to work or go to school to better them selves LOCK THESE SPOILED BRATS UP MARY LAND PO PO GOOD JOB.The are excuse for Ethiopians all over.
They were just trying to be like Meles and his friends.
It is nothing but a sign of decadency. Now when they can not steal from parking lot and some convenient stores any longer they plot to rob the bank, what a stupid citizens we have.
Why are all so negative about these young people?
They could be good wives in prison! so, you see, you should see from the bright side too!!! :)
Koko:
What are you talking about? Why you judge the whole Ethiopians who works in parking lots and convenients stores in a negative way b/c some shit happened? You are just narrow minded. I m just sick and tired of ppl like you!
Hey Dani that was a good one but there are no majerat mechez in Piassa and Doro manekai, just kamiz. Maybe in Kera …kikikikki
I was in DC about 3 months ago… I heard that some people were Harassed for money at night after leaving Ethiopian restaurants in U street. What happened over the weekend is just the ultimate disaster to Ethiopian community in DC area. Now we know that we have some bad appels hence I ecourage the community in the geater DC area to reach out to these disillustioned young men.
My god bless US and Ethiopia.
This is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. The dumpest idea ever….. We leave our country to come here for an opportunity and here are other ppl messing up an opportunity of a life time… What a life. They should send them back with no excuses.
Reading all these comments was sad. No one knows why they did it. There humans just like we’re humans. HUMANS MAKE MISTAKES! You can be Ethiopian, American, or whatever a person is, we all make mistakes. They had to do what was necessary for their situation. So calling these young guys idiots or other names doesn’t make your point clear but stupid because we all make mistakes in our own ways. I hope this can put some sense into all of us because we have problems for judging. I personally hope the best for my fellow Ethiopians. Do your time and come out better man.
wrong place and wrong time betame balega asedabe.god bless ethio and us.
I can’t believe the crimes being commited by Ethiopian youth and all in the same month. The bank robbery commited in VA. led to a teen losing their life. Is this a new trend?
We Ethiopians are embracing by this situation, if they are not working to live just we advice the authority to send them back home and they will learn a good lesson with Woyane
u know, all off you are a bunch of blood sucking fucks, because u dont know what people go trough in life, and it is totaly unfair to sit on the side line and talk shit. none of u guys dont even know what jail look or feel like and the boys made a mistake and they r paying for it , so shut the fuck up
It is sad when i heard this because i never expected these guys to do it.They are not really that type from my point of view.yea Ethiopia’s reputation might change due to this but it is as bad as people going out clubbing and fighting afterward.What makes this crime any worse.It seems like all you guys care about is Ethiopia’s reputation and what this generation has become but in fact when the same thing is happening but in a different aspect.im not trying to defend these guys but i know how narrow-minded Ethiopians can be at times.If you are complaining then get out there and do something about it.if not then don’t complain how us Ethiopians are careless when you are not doing your part by helping the “lost” Ethiopians.
Peace,Love,and Prosperity to Ethiopia
they only thing they make me upset they put some body family a hostage and get caught up…stupid ass, if they already introuble why da hell they give up. they should bust the cops and keep it going, because what historey they have now being some body girl in jail.lol
listen to your selves… all ethiopians kno is how to judge people quick and make up their own stories… ya’ll over here talkin about oh they came from piassa,kera wut ever the fuck it is… when ya’ll dont kno shit… i dont understand why you guys are tryn to be the judge of how they shoud be punished.. there is a law for it and they will serve wut ever is given to them.. stop judgin and talkin shit… none of yall kno wut this guys mite be goin through… they jus made mistakes and they were probably jus desperate… jus mind your own fuckin business… at the end of the day… all yall worried about is ure fuckin name and wut the americans are gonna think about ethiopians now… dang.. so selfish.. thats not the point here.. these are their own individuals… they are not representin ethiopia… they did wut they had to do… it was a mistake and they will be punished.. and it will be a lesson for them… and they will come out as a better person as sombody above mentioned.. so all ya’ll stop tryn to be the judge and makin up stories… and let it go.. its not for yall to decide.. try to be considerate… i wish my brothers gud luck and hope they learn from thier mistakes…
Shame on you all who accused these guys with out hearing the story from them. Let the court decide if they are guilty. What if the story is diffrent from what the good police reported? Please learn to stand by your brothers sisters unless you are sure of what happened.
After hearing everyone’s comment about this situation i would like to point how simple minded everyone is for calling the young men names without knowing what they might have been going though and would like to say that if you don’t have anything good to say, say nothing at all. dedeboch. They are our fellow brothers and no one knows the real reason for the incident or the truth. A big gematam goes out to surafel, faraw and soni the water head commenters.
“son of Ethio” you know what right now i can say you are just stupid ,dull and lack of intellectual acuity .how could you say “what they might have been going though and would like to say that if you don’t have anything good to say, say nothing at all”
We Ethiopians are hard worker and very bright.please don’t write anything on any website.
Another stupid person from this comment “Aleka ” do you have any relation with Meles Zenawi who think he is the one for the people by saying we ethiopians have everything we need including robing banks. you are not Aleka it sould be Meles Alenga
I know those guys I went to high school with them in West Virginia specially Yohannes Surafel
He was my class mate he was pretty smart kid , I don’t know what lead him to do what he did
For pet sake he went to college finished last year , he must been high on some shit that, I know
All of them, I bet I know the 3d suspect if they ever find him per sonly they did the hole thing
Wrong they not suppose kidnap the hole family at the same place, this is some, Amateur shit
Next time do it right mother fuckers
dani
how do u know they come with Dv? guss what u are right.
Leba lamelu dabo yelesale yemebale endenate anynetochune new dabo meslachew letebelu ye Americanene Dollar……u guys as such bitchy ass and ubnormal ppl this is not our Y generation that involve and influnce by growin up thievs…..and u don’t even concern where u at?so they give you good leason which is teach u the place where u gonna be which is alittle hell(Jail)so ebelalew yale mebelatenem masebe alebete those of you don’t have brain don’t make promise that chu can’t exist their is 2 if which is what if i live and what if i die….shame on you ppl who ever does this crop……we typical ethiopian we don’t blame by yr crop……u guys humilate us…….
Annonymous
My heart goes to the parents who worked hard to bring these young people to the US so that their lives will change and they change the lives of other family members, however their hope is shattered in a matter of days. I like to give a piece of advice to the younger generation to look further and hope for a better future. Stay away of drugs and alcohol and stay in school. There is a better future through education so be positive and have self respect, keep on trying as it is said ” Aand Amet shimbra meblat aqitot zelalem shimbra sibela yinoral” So, Lijoch bertuna temaru tesfa atquretu. Wolajochim kelijoch gar tenegageru, meftihe aalew.
Did I see this plot in a movie? Does anyone remember or think this would end in happily every after? I guess they did. Glade they did not end up dead but in the other hand how long are they going to be in prison? for life?
ya yr mom gave you nice name but there iz one thing yr father didn’t give ya punishmet(dula)asedabe nachehu bewonete maferiya….u don’t even know how to steal…go to merkato or doro mankeya they will teache ya how to steal……
You all make me sicker. Yes the crime was terrible and just like any other society, you must pay for your actions. Whats more sickining to me is reading all these judgmental, Holyier than thou, comments and attitudes I have been reading on here.
I am glad the family was not injured and feel terrible for them being involved in this. I am sad that these young ethiopians squandered their opportunities like this and commited this terrible crime. I am sad for the family of these young men that have to go through this. I hope some good may come out of is..
This is the judgmental and ignoarant statments that has kept Ethiopia in a middle of wars and no prosperity. Get with the program people. Just because these young people did something terrible it does not mean they are the spokes man for the entire country nor its because of the type of clan they are from…
This is America people, leave that clan tribal ignorant shit back there.
ኧረ ጎበዝ አዋረዱን……
I was reading everyone’s comment about this situation. I don’t have word to say. Are they thinking properly? I know all of them. They are so stupid to do such kind of things. They grew up in here and attended elementary, high school, and college. They can get better money with respect by working a decent job.
Imagine how is going to be hard to accept as mom and dad.
It is painful………..sad……….the family. Guy’s, life is not easy in America. Everyone has at least a bit responsibility. Think right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!