MARYLAND STATE POLICE ARREST ARMED ROBBERS IN CECIL COUNTY

(Darlington, Maryland) – Maryland State Police apprehended two suspects early this morning following an armed robbery of a pharmacy in Harford County.

The accused are identified as John Collins, Jr., 19, of the unit block of Peacock Lane in Port Deposit, Maryland and Joshua A. Dietz, 20, of the 700-block of Dr. Jack Road in Port Deposit, Maryland. They are charged with armed robbery, first and second degree assault, weapons violations, theft over $10,000, and reckless endangerment. Both are being held at the Harford County Detention Center awaiting bond review.

Collins was arrested around midnight, without incident, when police located him inside an apartment building near Perryville. Collins also had an open arrest warrant through the Harford County Sheriff’s Office in connection with a prior burglary.

Dietz was arrested around 4:00 a.m. today, without incident, at the home of his grandparents near Port Deposit. Dietz had been released on bail after being served an arrest warrant by the Harford County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the same prior burglary in which Collins was charged.

Yesterday evening, Collins was recognized by witnesses as the suspect who allegedly entered a Harford County pharmacy in the 1100-block of Main Street in Darlington, shortly before 6:00 p.m. with a loaded revolver. Collins ordered the employees to place over 100 bottles of prescription pharmaceuticals into a bag, demanded money from the cash register and directed the two employees into the restrooms. He then exited the building, allegedly walking southbound on Main Street where witnesses told police he was picked up by a dark colored vehicle.

State Police investigators worked throughout the night attempting to apprehend both suspects involved in the armed robbery. Investigators were led to identifying the two suspects through the use of surveillance, witness information, and relevant data obtained in the Regional Automated Property Information Database, known as RAPID. RAPID is a database managed by the Maryland State Police which provides law enforcement immediate access to timely information about property that has been sold to pawnbrokers, precious metal dealers, and vehicle salvage yards.

Investigators believe Collins entered the store with the loaded revolver, while Dietz remained outside behind the wheel of their getaway vehicle. The getaway vehicle has been identified as a black Mercedes with Maryland tags.

Troopers obtained a search warrant for a Conowingo-area home. More than 100 bottles of prescription medications, US Currency and the firearm used in the armed robbery were recovered.

State police investigators from the Bel Air Barrack were assisted by troopers from the North East and JFK Highway Barracks. Maryland State Police and Perryville Police K-9 Units assisted in the apprehension of the two suspects. Deputies from the Harford County and Cecil County Sheriff’s Offices also responded to assist.