TROOPERS CATCH FLEEING GROCERY STORE ROBBERY SUSPECT

(Eldersburg, MD) – A “there when you needed him” Maryland state trooper confronted an armed robbery suspect as he fled a Carroll County grocery store late last night and, after a pursuit through several parking lots on foot and in vehicles, was able to arrest the man who is now in jail without bond.

The accused is identified as James K. Wilcox, 45, of the 2800-block of Kaywood Place, Sykesville, Md. He is charged with armed robbery, robbery, theft under $1,000, reckless endangerment, making a bomb threat, two counts of second degree assault, and malicious destruction of property. He is currently incarcerated in the Carroll County Detention Center without bond.

Shortly after 10:00 p.m. yesterday, state troopers from the Westminster Barracks were dispatched to a 9-1-1 call for an armed robbery in progress at the Safeway store, located in the 1300-block of Londontown Blvd., in Eldersburg. The caller stated the suspect said he had a bomb and was running from the store.

The first trooper was on the scene within seconds and saw the suspect, later identified as Wilcox, running from the store carrying a cash register drawer. The trooper pursued him on foot and caught him as he was getting into his 1973 red Chevrolet pickup truck. A struggle ensued and Wilcox refused repeated commands to surrender. He was able to get the truck started and the trooper let go of Wilcox as he accelerated away.

A pursuit continued through several shopping center parking lots in the area. Wilcox’s truck stalled in the Home Depot parking lot and troopers were able to surround him. As he was pulled from his truck, the cash register drawer fell out and troopers spotted a cylinder with multiple protruding wires, a battery and a clock. After being arrested and placed in a patrol car, Wilcox kicked the windshield causing it to crack in multiple places.

Deputies from the Office of the State Fire Marshal were called and responded to the scene to examine the device found in the truck. They determined Wilcox had a device that resembled a bomb, but was not a working explosive device.

Investigators from the Westminster Barracks Criminal Investigation Section and State Police crime scene technicians responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation indicates Wilcox entered the store just after 10:00 p.m. and went to the counter by the store office, where he confronted a store employee and demanded money and access to the office. He then pushed his way into the office and confronted another employee again demanding money and stating he had a bomb.

Wilcox was able to obtain a cash register drawer that contained cash, postage stamps and several checks. All the stolen items were recovered when Wilcox was arrested.

Maryland State Police investigators have spent today obtaining and serving search warrants in Howard and Carroll counties as part of their continuing investigation. Additional charges against Wilcox are possible.