image description

Arrests Made In Connection With Series Of Armed Robberies

August 1st, 2017 by WCBC Radio

On 07/31/2017 33 year old Joshua Travis Smith, of Westernport, and 34 year old Justin Wayne Smith, of Barton, were arrested in Cumberland in conjunction with a series of armed robberies which had occurred over the past several weeks and days in the Westernport, Lonaconing, and McCoole areas.

            The incidents occurred on 07/03/2017 at the Fair Price market on Church Street in Westernport, on 07/28/2017 at the Best Price market on Chesapeake Avenue in McCoole, on 07/29/2017 at the Pit & Go on Lower George's Creek Road in Lonaconing, and again at the Best Price market in McCoole on 07/30/2017.

            In each case a suspect wearing a bandana to hide his facial features entered the business, hopped over the counter, and removed cash from the register before fleeing the business on foot. In each case the suspect displayed a knife in a threatening manner while doing so.

            The Allegany County Sheriff's Office and the Maryland State Police responded initially to each of the incidents. Searches of the areas were conducted at the time, but the suspect was not located.

            The Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigation Unit (C3I) was contacted to assist with follow up investigation.

            Investigators interviewed a number of witnesses and reviewed surveillance videos from a number of locations near the incidents and learned of the presence of another suspect and obtained information on suspect vehicles.

            C3I Narcotics Investigators obtained further information that led to the identities of the subjects responsible.

            As a result Investigators obtained arrest warrants for Joshua Travis Smith and Justin Wayne Smith. Surveillance was maintained on a suspect vehicle which was eventually stopped in Cumberland, at which time both suspects were taken into custody.

            A substantial sum of cash was recovered at that time, as well as a knife which was believed to have been used in at least one of the incidents.

 Investigators seized the vehicle that the suspects were travelling in in anticipation of obtaining a search warrant to search the vehicle for further evidence.

             Joshua Smith and Justin Smith have both been charged with Armed Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, Theft, 1st Degree Assault, and numerous other related charges. They are currently awaiting an initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner.

            The investigation is continuing.

 

Leave a Reply