Man Sentenced In Assault Of Store Clerk, Robbery Of Royal Farms In Havre De Grace

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — A Harford County man has been convicted in connection to the robbery of the Havre de Grace Royal Farms and the assault of a store employee.

Andre James McFarland, 55, of Havre de Grace, was convicted of robbery, assault in the second degree, theft less than $100, fleeing and eluding by vehicle, fleeing and eluding by foot, and obstructing and hindering, following a two-day jury trial.

Evidence presented at trial showed that on Dec. 22, 2024, at approximately 4 p.m., Havre de Grace police officers were dispatched to the Royal Farms located at 803 Pulaski Highway in Havre de Grace for a report of a fight. When officers arrived at the scene, witnesses pointed to a vehicle that was leaving, so officers chased it.

The driver, defendant Andre McFarland, failed to stop and eventually hopped out of his vehicle and ran away from the officers on foot. Further investigation revealed that the entire incident was captured on surveillance videos from inside and outside the Royal Farms. The videos showed McFarland entering the store, walking behind the counter and trying to push past the store clerk. The clerk put her hands up to hold McFarland back, but then he grabbed the clerk by the neck and shirt and "violently" threw her to the ground," according to evidence presented at the trial.

A customer in the store saw the commotion and tried to help the store clerk and stop McFarland. But McFarland grabbed two packs of Newport 100 cigarettes before running off. The store clerk and the customer followed McFarland outside and pointed out his vehicle to officers. A warrant was obtained, and officers showed up at McFarland’s last known location on Dec. 26, 2024, where police attempted to take him into custody. McFarland once again took off, this time requiring pepper spray and taser deployments before officers could arrest him, prosecutors stated.

On June 18, McFarland was sentenced to 21 years, suspending all but eight years, to serve.

“Once again, our office continues to prove that we will take these cases to trial and hold violent offenders accountable. We will settle for nothing less than Harford County citizens feeling safe in our communities. We will not tolerate offenders placing our citizens in danger or committing violent acts upon them in their place of employment and routine locations like convenience stores. We will continue to request significant sentences to remove these offenders from our streets," said State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey after the hearing wrapped up.