Police: Man Stole $900 In Cigarettes From 7-Eleven, Forced Employee To Help
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged with armed robbery and firearms violations after police say he robbed a Baltimore 7-Eleven of $900 worth of cigarettes and $176 in cash.
Baltimore police were called to the scene on the 100 block of West Lexington Street around 4:23 a.m. Wednesday.
A caller dialed 911 and informed the dispatcher that an armed gunman robbed the store and took a hostage.
Investigators say John Henry Brown walked into the store armed with a handgun and announced the robbery.
He then took money from the cash register and the cigarettes, but he couldn't carry everything alone, so he attempted to force one of the customers out of the store at gunpoint in order to help, according to police.
A store employee requested to take the customer's place. The suspect agreed to take the employee instead, while forcing him to assist in carrying the stolen merchandise.
Responding officers say they saw Brown and the store employee while canvasing the area.
The suspect tried to run away but was quickly apprehended. Police say he was carrying a loaded .32 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number.
The store employee was not injured and the merchandise was recovered.
Brown is prohibited from possessing a firearm and is currently at Central Booking being held without bail.
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