ODENTON, Md. — A woman suffered minor injuries Monday night after a man snatched her phone during an encounter on Annapolis Road, prompting a swift police response that ended in an arrest.
The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. in the 1100 block of Annapolis Road, when a man approached the woman and asked to use her phone. When she refused, the man forcibly grabbed the device from her hands and fled.
Officers canvassed the area and quickly located a suspect matching the description. The man was taken into custody without incident and later positively identified by the victim.
The woman sustained minor injuries during the robbery but declined further medical treatment at the scene.
Police arrested 35-year-old Preston Lee Harrison of Odenton. He faces charges related to the strong-arm robbery and remains in custody pending a bail hearing.
Police urge caution in unsolicited street encounters
The area where the robbery occurred is a heavily trafficked corridor with nearby businesses and bus stops. Investigators did not disclose whether any surveillance footage assisted in identifying the suspect.
No weapon was used in the robbery, and officials categorized the incident as a strong-arm robbery due to the use of physical force rather than a weapon.
Authorities are not currently seeking additional suspects in connection with the robbery.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has further information is asked to contact Western District detectives.