Armed Suspects Target Teens In 4 Incidents Within 1.5-Hour Timeframe: Howard County Police

COLUMBIA, MD — A group of teenagers who police believe were armed reportedly robbed multiple teens within a 1.5-hour timeframe.

The robberies all happened Feb. 12 between 7 a.m. and 8:20 a.m. and appeared to target teenage boys. The Howard County Police Department stated that it believes the four incidents are all related.

The first incident happened in the 8800 block of Guilford Road around 8 a.m. A teenage boy reported being approached by a group of suspects with their faces partially covered who showed guns, assaulted him then stole his wallet and shoes before taking off.

In the second incident, a teenage boy reported being approached by a group of suspects in the 7300 block of Rocky Creek Drive around 8 a.m. with their faces partially covered who assaulted him, stole his backpack that contained numerous items, then took off.

The third incident happened in the 7000 block of Old Columbia Road around 8 a.m. A group of suspects with their faces partially covered assaulted a teenage boy and attempted to steal his belongings before taking off.

In the fourth incident, a teenage boy reported being approached by a group of suspects with their faces partially covered who pulled out a handgun, assaulted him and stole his shoes and hoodie before taking off. This happened in the 8600 block of Guilford Road around 8:20 a.m.

In two unrelated incidents, according to police, two teens reported being approached by a group of teenagers who pulled out guns, assaulted one of the teens and stole the teen's jacket before taking off. The incident happened in the 7700 block of Hearthside Way in Elkridge Feb. 9 around 9:24 p.m.

A woman reported being approached by a man who pulled out a gun, stole her cell phone then took off. This incident happened Feb. 9 around 4 p.m. in the 8200 block of Tamar Drive in Columbia.

Anyone with information should contact police at [email protected] or 410-313-STOP.