ALLEGANY COUNTY, Md. — Three Maryland residents were arrested ahead of New Year’s Day for a series of armed robberies in Maryland and West Virginia.
The first armed robbery happened on Dec. 28 at the Mountaineer Mart in Short Gap, W.Va. Early on the morning of Dec. 29. the Circle K was robbed in Cumberland, Md. and at 5:30 the 7-11 in Cumberland, Md. was robbed. At about 9 a.m., Puff & Stuff in Ridgeley, W.Va. was robbed.
In each case the suspect was described as a heavy set male about 5’ 7 to 5’9. The suspect in each case brandished a gun, demanded money then fled.
A joint investigation conducted by the Cumberland Police, the West Virginia State Police, and C3I that included the review of surveillance video and numerous interviews led to a possible suspect vehicle and possible suspects.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for a residence in Cumberland, Md.
Investigators said there they recovered clothing, the gun believed used by the suspect, and additional evidence linking the suspects to the robberies during the search.
As a result Christopher Platter, 32, of Cumberland, Md., Angela Barb, 39, of Cumberland, Md. and Sandra Degrange, 53, of Sabillasville, Md. were arrested.
All three were charged with armed robbery, robbery, and theft in connection with the robberies at Circle K and 7-11, according to investigators.
West Virginia authorities were in the process of obtaining arrest warrants for the cases at Mountaineer Mart and Puff & Stuff.
Platter was also being charged with robbery, armed robbery, and theft in connection with the home invasion robbery which occurred on Wednesday evening, Dec. 27, at a private residence on Lincoln Street in Cumberland, Md.