LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A 32-year-old Leonardtown man is facing felony robbery charges after an attempt to steal cash and cigarettes from a local convenience store was stopped by an employee who physically blocked him and slapped the merchandise from his hands. The alleged Leonardtown convenience store robbery ended with the suspect’s arrest behind the building.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at about 6:25 p.m. at the Birdie’s convenience store on Point Lookout Road. According to charging documents, an employee was assisting a customer when a man, later identified as Dillon Cole Heiston, 32, of Leonardtown, allegedly walked behind the counter and tried to grab money from the register.
The employee told investigators that Heiston began pushing and shoving her as she tried to block his access to the cash register, which she managed to close. Charging documents state that Heiston then allegedly tried to access a lottery machine before grabbing a handful of cigarette packs and attempting to flee. The employee reported she again prevented the theft by slapping the cigarettes out of Heiston’s hands.
According to court records, Heiston then left the store and was seen hiding behind the building. The employee said he stood there “like he was waiting for you.” Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, already in the area, located Heiston, who matched the suspect’s description. Charging documents note that upon being contacted by deputies, Heiston immediately put his hands behind his back and surrendered.
Charging documents valued the attempted theft of cash and cigarettes at $267.05. Heiston has been charged with felony robbery, second-degree assault and theft. Under Maryland law, the felony robbery charge alone carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
Following his arrest, Heiston was held without bond but was later released on his own recognizance by Judge Karen Christy Holt Chesser on Aug. 13, 2025.
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Slapped fags?
Cigarettes!
I love the use of British slang here. Getting fags swatted is an attention draw for sure!
Stopped twice by a woman? He should have called the police on himself.