Deputy Injured In Scuffle With Theft Suspect At Gas Station, 2nd Suspect On The Run

JOPPATOWNE, MD — A sheriff's deputy was injured while trying to stop a robbery in progress Wednesday.

On Oct. 23 at approximately 12:08 a.m., a deputy from the Southern Precinct was on patrol when he were flagged down by employees of the Royal Farms store located in the 500 block Joppa Farm Road in Joppa. They reported a robbery in progress, later determined to be a theft, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

When the deputy entered the store, he saw two suspects behind the counter who were attempting to steal cigarettes. The deputy gave orders to the suspects but they didn't comply, which led to a physical struggle. During the confrontation, one suspect took off. The other suspect assaulted the deputy during the struggle before taking off. He was later identified as Justin Corey Cotten, 25, of Reisterstown, according to the police department.

The deputy was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries, treated and released to full duty.

An extensive search was conducted with the assistance of the HCSO K9 unit and the Maryland State Police Aviation Command, and they found Cotten later that night. He now faces charges for attempted theft and charges related to the assault on the deputy, the sheriff's department stated.

The second suspect was positively identified, and a statement of charges has been filed and turned over the HCSO Warrant Apprehension Unit for service.