Columbia Man Charged in Ellicott City Robberies

A Columbia man who police say fired a gun in the direction of a clerk while robbing a convenience store has been arrested in connection with three armed robberies.

Police say Peair M. Turner, 25, of the 5500 block of Waterloo Road, robbed a 7-Eleven and an Exxon in Ellicott City, and the Sonesta Hotel in Columbia. Each time, he allegedly displayed a handgun and he fired it at least once, according to police.

Police say Turner entered the 7-Eleven on Montgomery Road on Christmas Eve and showed a handgun, demanding money. He then fired in the direction of the clerk who was not hit. The hold-up man stole $350, according to police. 

On March 25, police say Turner went into the Exxon gas station on the 4200 block of Montgomery Road and showed a handgun, demanding money. Police say he stole $600 as well as the clerk’s cell phone and wallet.

On April 6, Police say Turner went into the Sonesta Hotel on the 8800 block of Columbia 100 Parkway, showed a handgun and demanded money. Police say he stole $500 and clerk’s cell phone and credit cards. 

Investigators used details about the robber’s methods and a physical description to come up with Turner as a suspect. While searching his vehicle, police found clothes that matched those worn during the robberies, according to police. 

Turner faces attempted murder as well as several counts of armed robbery, assault, theft and gun charges.

He is being held on $250,000 bond on one of the robberies and is awaiting a bond hearing on the other two. Police declined to release a photo of Turner due to the ongoing investigation, according to a spokesperson.

Related:

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- Armed Robbery At Ellicott City Exxon: Crime Roundup

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This article has been updated to reflect the suspect's address is on the 5500 block of Waterloo Road.