Armed Suspect Who Beat Victim Arrested After 2nd Robbery: Annapolis Police

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A man who allegedly struck an Annapolis man with a handgun and stole his wallet, then a week later reportedly held up a man on a street, was captured Wednesday by Annapolis Police.

Demarcus Gross, 20, of Annapolis, was initially wanted by police for armed robbery and related offenses tied to a robbery Oct. 25 in the 1000 block of Madison Street. Police say the victim was sitting on the porch of a home when he was approached by two men who asked for a cigarette. One of the men — later identified as Gross — used a handgun and struck the victim several times; they took the victim’s wallet and fled the area.

While officers and a K-9 unit located the victim’s wallet in the 1000 block of President Street, they did not locate the suspects.

On Tuesday, a man reported that he was in the 1100 block of Frederick Douglass Street when one male suspect grabbed him from behind and held him while Gross stole money from his pocket. Police are still working to determine the identity of the other suspect.

Gross is charged with armed robbery, robbery, first- and second-degree assault, handgun on person, use of a firearm in a felony or violent crime, reckless endangerment, and theft in the Oct. 25 robbery. Police have charged him with robbery, assault, destruction of property, and theft in the Nov. 1 robbery.

Authorities say Gross also had warrants for violating his probation in two previous convictions for fourth-degree burglary and second-degree assault.

“Unfortunately violent crimes are all too often committed by criminals like Demarcus Gross, repeat offenders who receive short sentences and continue violating terms of their probation,” said Chief Michael Pristoop in a statement. “Gross belongs in jail, not out on bond and with warrants victimizing people in Annapolis."

Gross is being held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center on a temporary commitment pending his initial hearing before the District Court Commissioner. Police say Gross was indicted in late August on distribution and possession with intent to distribute counterfeit CDS charges and was released before trial after posting $30,000 bond.

Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to call Annapolis Police at 410-260-3439. To provide anonymous information contact Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland by calling 1-866- 7LOCKUP (1-866- 756-2587), texting CRIMES (274637) or visiting www.metrocrimestoppers.org.
»Photo of Demarcus Gross, courtesy of Annapolis Police