JOPPA, MD—The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has charged multiple suspects in connection with an attempted theft and assault that occurred in Joppa.

At just after midnight on October 23, 2024, a deputy from the Southern Precinct was flagged down by employees of the Royal Farms store located in the 500-block Joppa Farm Road reporting an active robbery, later determined to be a theft, in progress. Upon entering the store, the deputy observed two suspects behind the counter attempting to steal cigarettes.

The deputy gave commands to the suspects, but they failed to comply, leading to a physical struggle. During the confrontation, one suspect managed to flee. The other suspect, identified as Justin Corey Cotten, 25, of Reisterstown, assaulted the deputy during the struggle before also fleeing on foot. The deputy was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, treated, and released to full duty.

A search was conducted with the assistance of the HCSO K9 unit and the Maryland State Police Aviation Command, leading to Cotten’s arrest later that night. Cotten now faces charges for attempted theft and charges related to the assault on the deputy. He was transported to the Harford County Detention Center where he is being held without bond.

The second suspect was positively identified, and a statement of charges has been filed, and turned over the HCSO Warrant Apprehension Unit for service.  This remains an active investigation and has been turned over to the Warrant Apprehension Unit.

Photo via the Harford County Sheriff’s Office