Water Main Crew Robbed At Gunpoint

Utility workers regularly face dangerous situations on the job as they navigate the risks posed by giant wastewater tanks, gushing water, and toxic chemicals.

But workers from a Maryland water utility faced an unexpected threat in October: robbery at gunpoint.

The utility Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) said a group of workers repairing a water main was robbed in Temple Hills, MD, last month, according to NBC Washington.

“Four WSSC employees were working in the 4100 block of 24th Avenue about 2:45 a.m. when a suspect with a gun approached them and took some of their personal belongings, Prince George's County police said. The suspect then ran away,” the report said.

The four workers were “shaken” but “unharmed,” the report said, citing the utility.

“A spokeswoman for WSSC, Lyn Riggins, told News4 the company is taking extra precautions for its crews since the robbery,” the report added.

Detectives are investigating the robbery, in which the thief stole personal items from the utility workers, Fox 5 DC reported.

Carla Reid, the CEO of WSSC, spoke out about what happened after the incident.

“I want each and every WSSC employee to know that their safety on the job is paramount,” she said, per the report. “This was a frightening ordeal for our employees who were simply trying to do their job. We will provide them with the appropriate support services needed in light of this incident.”

The water main the crew was working on has since been repaired, The Washington Post reported.

For more on worker safety visit Water Online’s Labor Solutions Center.