Deputies Arrest Essex Man Who Fired At Tellers During Joppa Bank Robbery

(Joppa, MD – May 8, 2009) – Harford County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested Artis Dwayne Bartholow, 42, of Warren Road, Essex, MD in connection with an armed bank robbery which occurred this morning.

At 9:58 a.m. deputies responded to the Harford Bank in the 500 block of Riviera Drive, Joppa, MD in reference to a report of a robbery. The investigation revealed that a white male wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, dark sunglasses, and a hospital mask entered the bank displaying a small black handgun and demanded money from the tellers. During the robbery one shot was fired toward the tellers striking a computer system on a nearby desk.

The suspect, later identified as Artis Dwayne Bartholow, left the bank and entered a burgundy colored Ford Thunderbird being driven by an unknown black male. A lookout was provided to surrounding police jurisdictions of the vehicle and suspects. Baltimore County Police located the Thunderbird on Route 40 in Essex. After a short chase ending on Middle River Road, Bartholow was placed in custody, however, the driver fled. At this time the driver is still at large.

Bartholow admitted to detectives that he robbed and fired one shot inside the bank. He also admitted to having an accomplice, however, has refused to provide any identifying information. The vehicle was towed to the Criminal Investigation Division for processing. The handgun believed to be used in the robbery was later located in the area of Middle River Road in Essex, MD.

Bartholow was eventually transported to the Harford County Processing Center where he is waiting for a bond hearing before a District Court Commissioner. Bartholow has been charged with the following: armed robbery, assault in the 1st degree, theft over $500.00, attempted 1st degree murder, attempted 2nd degree murder, robbery, assault in the 2nd degree, reckless endangerment, using a handgun in the commission of a felony; and, carrying and transporting a handgun.

Anyone with information about this crime and the additional suspect is asked to call the Harford County Sheriff’s Office at 410-838-6600 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7-LOCKUP (1-866-756-2587). To text a message to Metro Crime Stoppers, send to “CRIMES” (274637), then enter the message starting with “MCS,” then add the information. Those contacting Metro Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and might be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.