A corner market confrontation turned into a robbery at knifepoint, according to the US Marshals Service.
Donald Hicks, 41, is wanted on 10 criminal counts including armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
On June 11, Hicks and a female accomplice were accused of robbing Grandpa’s Food Market at 1000 North Broadway Street in Baltimore’s central city district.
According to the statement of charges found in court documents, Hicks attempted to enter the store but was stopped by the owner who had banned him from the market for stealing.
However, this time Hicks wasn’t alone.
According to investigators, a female accomplice slipped past the owner and another employee, then proceeded to remove items from the shelves of the store.
“The employees stopped him from entering, however a woman was able to slide past him,” said Al Maresca, Deputy Marshal with the US Marshals Service. “She then made her way back to Hicks and actually used him as a shield.”
Investigators said Hicks pulled out a knife and threatened the owner and employee before he and the woman fled the market with the stolen goods.
According to the statement of charges, the owner called 911 and then showed the responding officer Hick’s picture, as well as surveillance video which captured the entire incident.
A warrant was issued for Hicks’ arrest but authorities have yet to track him down.
An online search into Hicks’ criminal history shows this isn’t the first time he’s been accused of targeting someone with a weapon.
According to court records, in 2003 Hicks was convicted of attempted armed robbery in Baltimore City, and sentenced to five years in prison.
His criminal ways continued after his release, records show. Hicks has a 2009 arrest for a felony drug possession with intent to distribute charge.
In 2013 records show he was convicted of assault, and sentenced to one year in prison plus probation. Records indicate Hicks violated that probation and in 2018 was sentenced to six months in prison for failing to adhere to the terms of his post-release.
A documented 2019 arrest for felony theft was never prosecuted and is listed as STET, or inactive, in Maryland Case Search.
Now, years later Hicks is accused in a knife-wielding robbery.
“Criminals who have a history of violence and armed robbery tend to have a propensity to repeat that behavior,” said Maresca. “It’s for that reason it is in the interest of public safety to get this individual off the streets.”
Investigators have not yet identified the female suspect.
According to the US Marshals Service, Hicks may be homeless. He’s described as standing at about 5 feet, 9 inches and weighs approximately 150 pounds.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the US Marshals Service at 202-819-5058.