Countertop Crime: Replica Handgun Used In La Plata Tobacco Shop Robbery

LA PLATA, Md. — A Waldorf man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities allege he robbed a La Plata tobacco shop at gunpoint before being apprehended following a foot pursuit.

Lloyd Michael Hawkins, 39, of Waldorf, is charged with robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and theft between $1,500 and under $25,000 in connection with the Feb. 13, 2026 incident, according to court documents.

Shortly after 10:10 p.m. on Feb. 13, deputies with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and officers with the La Plata Police Department responded to the Tobacco Shop located at 6478 Crain Highway for a reported commercial armed robbery.

Investigators learned that a masked male entered the store wearing a black balaclava, gray long-sleeve shirt, black pants with multiple pockets and black-and-white tennis shoes. Surveillance footage showed the suspect approach the front counter and ask to purchase a carton of Newport cigarettes valued at approximately $160.

After attempting to pay with a credit card that was declined multiple times, the suspect put away his phone and produced what appeared to be a black semi-automatic handgun from his pocket. The employee, fearing for his life, opened the cash register and handed over approximately $600 in U.S. currency. The suspect then exited the store.

While canvassing the area, officers located a man matching the suspect’s description near Washington Avenue and Caroline Drive in La Plata. When officers approached, the individual fled on foot toward Prospect Street. During the pursuit, the suspect discarded his black balaclava and gray long-sleeve shirt before being taken into custody after a brief chase.

Authorities identified the suspect as Hawkins following his arrest. After reviewing store surveillance footage, officers confirmed Hawkins as the individual seen committing the robbery minutes earlier.

During a search incident to arrest, officers recovered a realistic black semi-automatic-style replica handgun, a wallet containing Hawkins’ Maryland driver’s license and a black Android cellphone. Authorities did not locate the stolen $600 or the carton of Newport cigarettes.

He was initially held without bond following his arrest on Feb. 14. A bail review hearing was held Feb. 17 in Charles County District Court, where he was granted release on recognizance. However, a subsequent bail review on Feb. 18 resulted in his bond being revoked, and he is currently being held without bond.

A hearing is scheduled for March 20, 2026, in Charles County District Court.

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