Harford County detectives are investigating three commercial robberies that took place between July 19 and 22 at two businesses in Darlington and Street.
The first robbery took place just after 2 a.m. on July 19 when deputies responded to the Royal Farms in the area of 3600 Conowingo Road in Street for the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival deputies found that an unknown man had entered the business, displayed a knife and demanded money before fleeing.
The second robbery took place just after 3 a.m. on July 22, where deputies responded to the same Royal Farms for a robbery. Deputies were informed that an unknown suspect approached an employee and demanded money before fleeing from the store.
No weapons were believed to be used or implied during the robbery.
The third robbery took place just before 11 p.m. on July 22 at the Highs Store in the area of 1200 Main Street in Darlington.
Upon arrival, deputies immediately began canvassing the area, in an attempt to locate the suspect.
Deputies were informed an unknown male entered the store, approached an employee, and demanded money before fleeing. At this time, no weapons were believed to be used, or implied, during the robbery.
Detectives were able to develop a suspect in connection with the July 19 robbery at Royal Farms and identified him as 32-year-old William Preston Grace, Jr.
Following a search warrant, officials located Grace and took him into custody. While in custody, at approximately 3:18 p.m., Grace was able to escape from custody and flee the area.
Deputies were able to locate him less than a mile away and charge him with armed robbery, robbery, first and second degree assault, reckless endangerment and other related charges. Additionally, he was charged with malicious destruction of property, theft, and escape.
At this time, the armed robbery and related charges are only connected to the July 19 robbery of the Royal Farms.
The investigation into all three robberies remain active and ongoing. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 410-879-7929.
