JOPPA, Md. – A Valentine’s Day crime with a sugary twist has deputies in Harford County searching for a man who they say stole a truck, then helped himself to several boxes of candy bars before casually buying a soda and leaving the scene.
According to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the candy-coated caper happened February 14 at a Royal Farms store on Mountain Road in Joppa. Investigators said the suspect arrived in a stolen truck, walked inside, grabbed two full display boxes of candy bars, and carried them outside without paying.
The man then returned to the store, bought a soda as if nothing had happened, and went back out to his vehicle. But apparently, two boxes of chocolate weren’t enough — deputies said he came back inside again and walked out with two more boxes before driving off.
Deputies dub suspect the ‘Valentine’s Day candy bandit’
Authorities shared surveillance images of the suspect on social media, joking that they’d like to “have a chat about proper checkout procedures — and stolen vehicles.” The post quickly gained traction online as residents reacted to the bizarre holiday theft.
Investigators said they’re still trying to identify the man and are asking anyone who recognizes him to call the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Southern Precinct at 410-612-1717.
- Suspect stole a truck before targeting candy at Royal Farms
- Four display boxes of candy bars taken on Valentine’s Day
- Deputies ask public for help identifying the “candy bandit”
The investigation remains active as detectives work to locate the suspect and recover the stolen vehicle.
Related links: harford county sheriff | maryland theft | valentines day crime