2 Suspects In String Of Armed Robberies Across Howard County Convicted

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Two men suspected of six armed robberies carried out in July 2023 at various convenience stores in Columbia, Ellicott City and Elkridge have been found guilty by a jury in a five-day trial.

The six robberies unfolded between July 17, 2023, and July 23, 2023. The victims all reported that a suspect wearing a face mask and a backpack pointed a handgun at them and demanded cash from the register. In conjunction with the Baltimore County Police Department, Howard County detectives were able to identify a suspect vehicle involved in the robberies, according to police. Law enforcement officials were able to get a court order authorizing the placement of a GPS tracker on the suspect’s vehicle, which eventually led to the arrest of two men - Brannon Achimbi, 21, and Andrew Lucas, 20, both of Laurel.

After their arrest, police searched their vehicle and found a loaded handgun, ski masks and gloves that were used at the robberies. Police also found a large amount of cash believed to be stolen from the various convenience stores, the police department stated. A subsequent search of the suspects’ homes turned up clothing and shoes matching the robbery suspect. An investigation showed that Lucas served as the driver during each robbery while Achimbi was the gunman, according to the Howard County Office of the State's Attorney.

Both men were found guilty of armed robbery, the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence and other related charges. Their sentencing has been scheduled for September 2025.