Blizzard Foils Armed Robbery Getaway

LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Jan. 24, 2016)—Four teen-aged males were taken into custody shortly after they allegedly robbed at gun point the America's Best Value Inn and Suites, located at 21847 Three Notch Road in Lexington Park, on Saturday afternoon. The lack of people out in public due to the blizzard made it easy for police to locate and nab the suspects.

The suspects have been identified as Antwan Tyler, age 18, Nicholas Williams, age 18, Daniel Roper, age 19, and Michael Harrod, age 17, all of Lexington Park.

On Saturday at approximately 2:14 p.m., deputies responded to a report of an armed robbery at the motel. The victim, a female employee, advised deputies that two male suspects entered the business wearing dark winter jackets. One of the suspects produced a large black handgun, which he pointed at the victim before demanding money. The victim provided the suspects with an undisclosed amount of currency before both suspects fled the business on foot.

Additional investigation and review of video surveillance by deputies revealed two additional suspects had also been involved in the robbery. Surveillance revealed all four of the men arrived, departed, and collaborated during the robbery.

A lookout was broadcast for the suspects and deputies began canvassing the area. Foot traffic was almost nonexistent due the blizzard conditions affecting the area at the time. While assisting deputies with the search, Sheriff Timothy Cameron located four males in the area matching the suspect descriptions. Subsequently, the suspects fled on foot.

After a brief pursuit, all four were quickly located and detained by deputies and troopers from the Maryland State Police and the Lexington Park COPs Unit without incident.

Detectives and crime lab technicians from the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) arrived on scene and assumed the investigation. Distinctive features on all of the suspects clothing were matched to video surveillance and additional evidence was recovered from the suspects. Sheriff's office K-9 deputies also located evidence discarded by the suspects as they fled. After consultation with the States Attorney's Office, all four suspects were arrested and charged as adults with Armed Robbery, Robbery, Assault 1st Degree, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, and Theft Less than $1,000.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about this crime to contact Detective Cory Ellis at 301-475-4200, ext. 8125 or by email at Cory.Ellis@stmarysmd.com. Callers may also call Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333 (callers can remain anonymous, or text a tip to "TIP239" plus your message to "CRIMES" (274637).