Office

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