EXCLUSIVE: Former Norwood/Holabird President John Ayres Robed at Gun Point

Photo of Mr. Ayres is posted

Former NHCA President John Ayres was one five victims who were robbed at gunpoint at a Royal Farms Store located at 1302 Windlass Drive in Middle River.

An exclusive interview with Mr. Ayres revealed that he went out to get his wife something to eat at the Royal Farms at about 12:25 am.

Mr. Ayres said that, when he entered the store, there were three employees and approximately five customers who were accosted by four armed black males. The perpetrators entered the store wearing red bandannas and were armed with 9 mm weapons, Mr. Ayres said.

The suspects announced a robbery and ordered everyone to the floor, face down. One customer who was standing had a weapon placed up against his neck by a suspect.

The robbers badgered the cashier to open the safe, but she did not have the necessary codes to do so. The robbers threatened to shoot people if everyone did not comply with their demands.

Mr. Ayres stated that one suspect riffled through all of his pockets and took his wallet. Mr. Ayers also stated the suspects did the same to the other customers.

The suspects threatened to shoot the clerk, but Mr. Ayres felt they were in a hurry to exit the store, so they did not gain access to the safe. The suspects fled on foot.

Mr. Ayres said he tried to comfort the female clerk, who was shaken by the event.

A fellow teacher of Mr. Ayres’ wife, Sally, who is staying with the Ayres family, also was robbed at the same store about a year ago.

The police responded in force and are still searching for the four black male suspects, described as being between 5’10” and 6’0” in height and weighing about 190 lbs.

The bandannas the suspects wore were red with black markings, Mr. Ayres said.

Members of the Bloods street gang are known for wearing red bandannas; however, there is no evidence at this time that the incident was a gang-related robbery.

Anyone with information should contact the Baltimore County Police Department at the 911 emergency number, as these suspects are considered armed and dangerous.

Stayed tuned for updates.