OCEAN CITY- Two Baltimore men were arrested early Monday morning after allegedly refusing to pay a taxi cab fare before threatening and assaulting the driver and stealing the keys to the vehicle.

Troy Thomas

Around 2:45 a.m. on Monday, Ocean City Police responded to the area of 126^th Street and Coastal Highway for a reported armed robbery. The investigation revealed four individuals refused to pay the taxi cab fare. Two of the individuals, later identified as Justin M. Washington, 26, and Troy M. Thomas, 24, both of Baltimore, threatened and assaulted the driver before stealing $60 in cash and the keys to the taxi.

Upon arrival on the scene, OCPD officers observed Washington and Thomas chasing the taxi driver south on Coastal Highway. Thomas allegedly had a softball-sized rock in his possession at the time. Washington was taken into custody at the scene without further incident. Thomas fled to a nearby condominium and was later arrested.

Justin Washington

Thomas has been charged with first- and second-degree assault, armed robbery, robbery, theft less than $100 and possession of a deadly weapon. Washington has been charged with second-degree assault, robbery and theft less than $100.

Both suspects were taken before a District Court Commissioner. Thomas was held initially on a $75,000 bond, but after a bond review hearing, the total was reduced to $25,000. He remains in custody in the Public Safety Building in Ocean City. Meanwhile, Washington was released after posting a $50,000 bond.