2 Armed Robberies In Columbia Involve Groups Of Suspects: Police

COLUMBIA, MD — Two armed robberies were reported recently in Columbia. Both were in the Oakland Mills area around the same time of day. In each case, there were three male suspects, police said, one of whom brandished a handgun.

Police said one person has been arrested. An Ellicott City teen was charged with armed robbery in connection with a holdup at Blandair Park on Monday afternoon, according to police.

Around 4:17 p.m. on Monday, officials said a boy was at the park in the 5700 block of Oakland Mills Road when a vehicle pulled up with three suspects inside. One showed a handgun and ordered the boy to surrender his backpack, according to police. The boy complied, and the trio left. Nobody was injured.

Through investigation, officials said they identified one suspect; a 14-year-old boy from Ellicott City was arrested and charged with armed robbery, police reported Tuesday. Officials said the investigation is ongoing.

The robbery at Blandair Park came several days after another robbery involving a group of three suspects.

Two men said they were robbed at gunpoint in the 5800 block of Stevens Forest Road around 4:40 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19.

Three male suspects came up to them and one showed a handgun, officials reported. The robbers took the victims' cell phones and left. Nobody was injured. The suspects were wearing hooded sweatshirts, police said.

Patch file photo.