LA PLATA, Md. (Feb. 7, 2008)—The Charles County Sheriff’s Office has arrested three men
believed to be responsible for a series of robberies that began in January and targeted food delivery employees. Justin Andrew Coleman, 19, of Waldorf and Ricky Maurice Hall, 18, of Washington, D.C., were arrested Feb. 5 during a surveillance operation. Daytwan Mozal Wright, 20, of Waldorf was arrested Feb. 7 at his residence in the 9900 block of Morristown Place in Waldorf.
The Sheriff’s Office says they discovered similarities in the robberies and as a result initiated the Feb. 5 surveillance operation in Waldorf.
Police say that at 9:45 p.m., Coleman and Hall, armed with a handgun, attempted to rob a Goodies Restaurant employee delivering food to a residence on Red Squirrel Place. The intended victim accelerated his vehicle and managed to escape without injury. The victim noticed an officer in a marked cruiser and notified the officer of the robbery attempt.
Responding officers observed a blue Chevrolet Cobalt, which had been described in a lookout during the previous robberies, traveling east on Smallwood Drive West. They stopped the vehicle, arrested Coleman and Hall and recovered a BB gun that matched the description of the black handgun used in the previous robberies.
Hall and Coleman were charged with armed robbery, robbery, using a handgun in the commission of a felony, first- and second-degree assault and theft valued at less than $500.
During the investigation, detectives identified Coleman and Wright as suspects in other similar robberies, including the robbery of a pizza deliverywoman on Jan. 29 about 11:40 p.m. and the robbery of a pizza deliveryman on Jan. 30 about 1:37 p.m.
A warrant was issued for Wright on Feb. 7 charging him with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, using a handgun in the commission of a felony, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and two counts of theft valued at less than $500. Another warrant was issued for Coleman on Feb. 6 charging him additionally with two counts each of armed robbery, robbery, first- and second degree assault and theft valued at less than $500. Detectives are still investigating whether the accused were involved in other robberies.
The accused face 20 years in prison for each armed robbery charge and additional jail time and fines for the other offenses. “These robberies required a lot of planning and were well thought out,” said Sheriff Rex Coffey. “I hope when these criminals are sentenced, justice prevails and they see a lot of jail time.”
Coleman and Hall are currently being held at the Charles County Detention Center with $250,000 bonds. Wright is being held at the Detention Center pending an appearance before a district court commissioner.
Sheriff Coffey expressed concern about the ongoing use of BB guns in the commission of serious crimes. “BB guns are a problem in our community because they are used frequently in armed robberies. They resemble handguns and are easy to acquire,” said Coffey. “Parents need to recognize the danger in their children owning a BB guns and determine whether it is appropriate.”