WASHINGTON — A man in Montgomery County walked into a preschool on Friday morning and distracted staff while he stole money and a Metro card from two purses, police say.

At 9:15 a.m., the suspect walked into the All Saints Preschool on Chevy Chase Circle and told a receptionist he was interested in getting information about the school. While staff were occupied outside helping children being dropped off for the day, the man walked into several classrooms and took cash and the metro card from two purses.

Police say the man is suspected in committing the same type crime at three other schools, Chevy Chase Baptist, Chevy Chase Presbyterian and Blessed Sacrement.

“It’s just very unfortunate that this man clearly has a scheme where he approaches churches with schools and tries to steal things,” says John Fitzgerald, Chevy Chase Village police chief.

He is described as a black man, about 6 feet tall, 200 pounds and between 35 and 45 years old. He had a clean-shaven head and was dressed in a black coat, black pants and black shoes. He wore a large, silver crucifix around his neck.

To see a video of the suspect, click here.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call (301) 654-7300.

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