LOTHIAN, Md. — A 19-year-old Lothian resident, Aaron Delonte Whitley, was arrested on April 28, 2025, following an armed robbery at South County Sportsmen, a firearms retailer located at 5643 Southern Maryland Boulevard. The incident, reported at approximately 11:40 a.m., involved Whitley allegedly firing a shot into a display case, stealing four handguns, and fleeing on foot, only to be apprehended minutes later with the stolen weapons.
According to Anne Arundel County Police, Whitley entered the store, browsed briefly, then brandished a handgun and ordered the clerk to unlock a display case containing firearms. As the clerk complied, Whitley fired a single round into the case, grabbed multiple handguns, and placed them in a backpack before escaping. No injuries were reported.
An officer patrolling nearby spotted Whitley on Sands Road, matching the suspect’s description. Upon detention, police recovered five firearms from his backpack: a .40 caliber Polymer 80 handgun used in the robbery and four 9mm Glock handguns stolen from the store. Whitley, legally prohibited from possessing firearms, faces charges including armed robbery, theft, and firearms offenses.
The swift arrest, detailed in a police press release, prevented the stolen weapons from entering illegal circulation. The recovered firearms, valued at thousands of dollars, underscore the potential danger of the theft. South County Sportsmen, a well-known retailer in Lothian, serves hunters and firearms enthusiasts in Anne Arundel County, a region with a strong hunting tradition. The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, rattled the quiet community of approximately 7,000 residents.
Whitley’s prohibition from possessing firearms, likely due to prior convictions or juvenile adjudications, adds a layer of severity to the charges. The Polymer 80, a “ghost gun” lacking a serial number, raises concerns about untraceable weapons, a growing issue in Maryland. The Glocks, popular for their reliability, are frequently targeted in thefts due to their resale value on the black market. The Anne Arundel County Police Department, commended for its rapid response, continues to investigate, with no additional suspects reported at this time.
The robbery highlights ongoing efforts to curb gun violence in Maryland, where 1,200 firearms were recovered by state police in 2024. The Maryland State Police’s Highway Gun Crimes Initiative, cited in recent arrests, emphasizes proactive enforcement. Community members can provide tips anonymously at 410-222-4700.
South County Sportsmen resumed operations, with no reported damage beyond the display case. Whitley remains in custody pending a bail hearing, with charges expected to be formalized in Anne Arundel County District Court.
