SUSPECT CHARGED IN TWO HARFORD CO. BANK ROBBERIES - INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST OF TWO OTHERS

(RISING SUN, MD) – Maryland State Police have arrested a suspect in two Harford County bank robberies last week and made two additional arrests resulting from the ongoing investigation.

The first suspect is identified as Joseph S. Tiller, 35, of the 100-block of Slicers Mill Rd., Rising Sun, Md. He is charged with two counts each of armed robbery, robbery, theft between $1,000 and $10,000, and second degree assault. He was turned over to the Harford County central booking center early this morning to await his initial appearance before a court commissioner today.

Also arrested as a result of the investigation, but not charged with crimes connected to the bank robberies, were Phillip Lockett, 39, and Malissa(sic) N. Miller, 28, both of the 800-block of Rising Sun Rd., Rising Sun, Md. Both are charged with possession of counterfeit currency, convicted felon in possession of a regulated firearm, convicted felon involving a crime of violence in possession of a regulated firearm, and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person. Both were taken to a court commissioner in Cecil County for an initial appearance.

Maryland State Police began the investigation on the afternoon of June 10, 2014, after a suspect entered the PNC Bank in the 2400-block of Whiteford Road, Whiteford, Md. The man handed a bank employee a note demanding money. He did not display or imply he had a weapon. The suspect left with an undetermined amount of money.

Just after 2:30 p.m. on June 12, 2014, a suspect with the same description entered the National Bank of Rising Sun in the 3500-block of Conowingo Road, Street, Md. He handed a bank employee the same or a very similar note demanding money. Again, he did not display or imply he had a weapon and left the bank with an undetermined amount of money. No one was injured in either of the robberies.

State Police investigators from the Criminal Enforcement Division issued a bank surveillance photo of the suspect. They developed information about a Toyota van possibly used by the suspect when he committed the robberies. Tips from citizens assisted troopers with their investigation, which led them to develop Tiller as a suspect. Their investigation also developed information that Tiller frequented the home of Lockett and Miller, who owned a van similar to the one believed to be used by the robbery suspect.

State Police investigators obtained search warrants for both homes and an arrest warrant for Tiller. The warrants were served by State Police late yesterday afternoon. Tiller was arrested at his home without incident. Troopers found a loaded handgun and drug paraphernalia in Tiller’s residence.

At the home of Lockett and Miller, troopers found a Toyota van believed to be the one used by Tiller when he committed the bank robberies. Other items recovered included a counterfeit $20 bill, a handgun, and a box of handgun ammunition. Lockett and Miller were arrested without incident.

The investigation is continuing. Additional charges are possible against all three suspects.