Harford

Harford County Sheriff’s Office Apprehends Suspects in Theft Attempt

Harford County Sheriff’s Office Apprehends Suspects in Theft Attempt

**Joppatowne, MD** – The Harford County Sheriff’s Office announced the charging of two individuals following an attempted theft and assault incident. The event occurred on Thursday at approximately 12:08 a.m. at the Royal Farms store on Joppa Farm Road.

During a routine patrol, a deputy was alerted by store employees about an ongoing robbery, which was later clarified as theft. Inside the store, the deputy encountered two suspects attempting to steal cigarettes behind the counter. Commands issued to the suspects were ignored, resulting in a physical altercation.

One suspect fled the scene, while the other, Justin Corey Cotten, 25, from Reisterstown, assaulted the deputy and escaped on foot. The deputy sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. Cotten was apprehended later that evening with help from the HCSO K9 unit and the Maryland State Police Aviation Command.

Cotten faces charges including attempted theft and assault on a deputy and is being held without bond at the Harford County Detention Center. The second suspect has been identified, with charges filed and handed to the HCSO Warrant Apprehension Unit. The investigation continues

Senior Deputy Arrested Amid Investigation in Harford County x

Senior Deputy Arrested Amid Investigation

**Bel Air, MD** – The Harford County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has confirmed that Senior Deputy Ryan Christopher Hall is under investigation by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Hall, from the HCSO Investigative Services Bureau, was first identified as a suspect on October 8. Following this notification, his enforcement powers were suspended with pay.

Two weeks later, on October 22, detectives from Carroll County arrested Hall in Harford County. In response to this arrest, Hall’s police powers were revoked by HCSO without pay.

HCSO has been working in coordination with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office by providing necessary assistance for the ongoing investigation. There is currently no indication that Hall used HCSO equipment or was on duty during the alleged crimes.

Sheriff Gahler addressed the situation by emphasizing the importance of integrity within the agency and expressed his disappointment regarding the allegations. He offered his thoughts to the victims involved, hoping that the charges will aid in their healing process.