WALDORF, Md., — Charles County Sheriff’s Office patrol officers arrested two suspects on May 10 in connection with multiple retail thefts at a department store on Mall Circle in Waldorf, recovering nearly $23,000 in stolen fragrances and clothing. The suspects, Robert Lee Pettigrew, 52, of Brandywine, and Zatay Ejasia Owens, 26, of Bowie, were charged with theft and shoplifting after stealing from Macy’s at St. Charles Towne Center.
At approximately 6:03 p.m., Macy’s security reported the theft to 911, noting that two individuals had stolen nearly $3,000 worth of perfumes and colognes. The suspects, later identified as Pettigrew and Owens, exited the store and crossed to a nearby Buffalo Wild Wings, where they placed stolen items into a bright electric blue Range Rover registered to Pettigrew. Loss prevention personnel observed the pair returning to the store later that day to steal additional merchandise, prompting police response.
Officers, including two on overtime duty at the mall, located both suspects inside the restaurant. Pettigrew attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended outside, while Owens was detained without incident. “I don’t do this but he was my ride,” Owens told officers after receiving her Miranda warning, claiming she met Pettigrew earlier that day and was unaware of his actions until he began concealing items. All stolen fragrances from the initial theft, valued at $2,902, were recovered at the scene, along with other merchandise.
Following the arrests, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division obtained a search warrant for Pettigrew’s Range Rover. Inside, they found approximately $20,000 worth of additional fragrances and clothing, believed to be stolen from other thefts. Boxes of fragrances were visible through the vehicle’s windows, and officers recovered over $1,500 in cash from Pettigrew and multiple debit cards from Owens. The vehicle was towed for evidence processing.
Investigators are working to identify the owners of the recovered merchandise and are seeking information on related thefts. Anyone with details is asked to contact Detective/Sgt. Feldman at 301-609-6451. “This case highlights the importance of collaboration between retailers and law enforcement,” a sheriff’s office spokesperson said, noting the role of Macy’s security in the arrests.
On May 11, a district court commissioner released Pettigrew and Owens on personal recognizance from the Charles County Detention Center. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities examining surveillance footage showing the suspects targeting the fragrance department directly upon entering Macy’s. The footage also captured Pettigrew placing boxed perfumes into his pants while Owens allegedly shielded him.
