Crime & Safety

Howard County Police Seek Help in Finding 'Lottery Ticket Robber'

Police are offering a reward up to $500 for information.

Howard County police are trying to find the man they say stole lottery tickets, cigarettes and cash in a recent robbery at the Shell gas station in Columbia.

Police are offering a reward of up to $500 for help in identifying the person police claim entered the Shell gas station on the 9100 block of Snowden River Parkway at 3:34 a.m. July 1.

In the press release, they called him the "lottery ticket robber."

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The man entered the gas station, displayed a gun, assaulted an employee and demanded cash, according to a police press release. He left with lottery tickets, cigarettes and cash, as well as with one of the employee’s vehicles, a 2002 Oldsmobile Brevada.

Police said they later found the vehicle, which had been abandoned.

Find out what's happening in Columbiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Officials describe the suspect as a 35- to 40-year-old black male who is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and about 200 pounds. He was wearing a gray polo shirt with “Police Explorer” written on the back, which is a national program for young adults who are interested in a career in law enforcement, according to police spokeswoman Elizabeth Schroen.

However, police do not believe he was part of the Police Explorer program.

He was also wearing a black baseball hat and a red bandana covering his face.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call 410-313-STOP. Callers may remain anonymous.


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