> At a Glance
> – Two men spent over an hour stranded on a ninth-floor ledge at Bethesda’s Embassy Suites after fleeing an alleged armed robbery
> – Rescue crews used a fire-truck ladder to bring them to safety at 2:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day
> – Police have since arrested a suspect in connection with the incident
> – Why it matters: The dramatic escape highlights how quickly a routine hotel stay can turn into a life-threatening emergency
A New Year’s Eve celebration turned into a midnight nightmare for two Maryland men who found themselves clinging to a narrow ledge nine stories above the ground after an alleged gunman forced them out of their hotel room.
The Robbery and Escape
Montgomery County Police say a gunman entered the pair’s room at the Embassy Suites on Democracy Boulevard in Bethesda shortly after 12:43 a.m. on January 1, 2026. Fearing for their lives, the men opted to climb out of the window rather than confront the intruder.
> “They somehow felt the safest escape route was to climb out on the ledge,” a Montgomery police spokesperson told WTOP.
Once outside, they became trapped and remained stuck for more than an hour while the robbery unfolded inside the room.
Rescue Operation
The Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service’s Special Operations Technical Rescue Team responded with a ladder truck. Crews reached the men at roughly 2:30 a.m. and safely lowered them to the ground. Officials report no injuries.
- Call received: 12:43 a.m.
- Rescue completed: 2:30 a.m.
- Total time stranded: About 1 hour 45 minutes
- Location: Ninth-floor ledge, Embassy Suites, Bethesda
Guest Reaction
Other hotel patrons expressed shock once word of the incident spread.
Guest Bruce Lanctot, staying one floor above, told WJLA:
> “We’re in shock. It’s shocking to know this happened at this hotel.”
His wife, Pamela Lanctot, added:
> “It’s a great hotel. We’ve enjoyed our stay. Boy, oh boy, this is quite a shock.”
Aftermath
Police later confirmed they had taken a suspect into custody, though no further details have been released. The Embassy Suites declined immediate comment when contacted by News Of Los Angeles.
Key Takeaways
- Two men escaped an alleged armed robbery by climbing out of a ninth-floor window
- They were rescued unharmed by a specialized fire crew using a ladder truck
- Authorities have arrested one suspect connected to the incident
The startling episode serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly celebratory plans can turn dangerous-even in familiar, upscale surroundings.
