LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A reported armed robbery at a liquor store in Lexington Park has resulted in the arrest of a man identified by authorities as Antonio Gross, age 35, of Lexington Park. The incident, which unfolded late March 16 at Canopy Liquors on Great Mills Road, led to multiple charges against Gross, including armed robbery, assault and theft.
According to law enforcement records, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene after receiving a report of a robbery. Upon arrival, authorities made contact with the victim, who stated he had been confronted and physically assaulted by a man demanding his belongings. The victim told officers that the assailant, later identified as Gross, displayed a knife and insisted that he hand over everything he had.
The victim recounted that he attempted to explain to the suspect that he had nothing of value, but the suspect continued to demand his possessions while brandishing the weapon. The victim reported that the suspect took two vapes, a $10 bill and a Walmart gift card worth $20. Law enforcement officials were able to locate the suspect nearby, reportedly wearing the same clothing the victim had described.
When questioned by deputies, Gross admitted to being involved in an altercation with the victim but claimed it was a mutual fight initiated over stolen property. He alleged that the victim had taken items belonging to him, and he was merely reclaiming what was his. Gross denied using a weapon during the encounter; however, a consent search of his person revealed a knife and the stolen items described by the victim.
Authorities reviewed security footage from the scene, which reportedly showed Gross approaching the victim in an aggressive manner before a physical struggle ensued. The footage captured the victim grabbing Gross, after which Gross overpowered him, forced him to the ground and struck him multiple times with his fists. At the beginning of the altercation, the footage showed Gross empty-handed, but by the end, he was seen walking away with items in his possession.
Following the investigation, Gross was arrested and charged with armed robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, theft under $100 and possession of a concealed dangerous weapon. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center, where he remains held without bond.
Court records indicate that Gross appeared before a judge for a bond hearing on March 17. The presiding judge, James Tanavage, ordered that he be held without bond pending further proceedings. A subsequent hearing was held the following day before Judge Karen Christy Holt Chesser, during which the bond hearing was reset.
Under Maryland law, a conviction for armed robbery carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. First-degree assault is a felony offense punishable by up to 25 years, while second-degree assault, a misdemeanor, carries a sentence of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Theft under $100 is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. Possession of a concealed dangerous weapon carries a penalty of up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
Gross is currently scheduled to appear in St. Mary’s County District Court on April 14 for a preliminary hearing.
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Antonio, was it really worth it?
Police station right across the street… useless.
Always something at this liquor store