Crime & Safety

Police: Masked Gunmen Rob Man After Following Him for Miles Through County

Police reported two men in ski masks robbed a driver after following him from the Columbia area to Sykesville.


Two men pursued another man for miles from Route 100 onto U.S. 29 and then to a side street off Old Frederick Road where they robbed him just after midnight Wednesday, according to Howard County Police.

The victim told police he almost struck a black SUV on Route 100 while he was attempting to change lanes. The man drove his car onto U.S. 29 northbound and the black SUV followed him, according to police.


The SUV continued to follow the man onto Old Frederick Road, where the man pulled onto a side street, Pipes Lane in Sykesville, hoping the SUV would pass, reported police. Instead, police said, the SUV pulled behind the man's vehicle and two men exited wearing ski masks.

One of the men was holding a handgun and a flashlight when he went up to the driver's window, according to police. He demanded the driver's wallet, two baseball caps, shirt, watch and shoes; and the driver complied, said police.

The suspects fled in the SUV, police said. Police did not provide a detailed description of the suspects.

Police spokesperson Mary Phelan said drivers who believe they are being followed should either call 9-1-1 or drive to the nearest police station.


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