WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | Store Clerk Pulls Gun on Armed Robbery Suspect

Store Clerk Pulls Gun on Armed Robbery Suspect

Two armed robbery suspects are behind bars in Lee County. Investigators believe they're responsible for several thefts and robberies as well as a carjacking.

The two were in custody just one hour after police say they tried to rob two businesses in two different counties on Wednesday. Investigators say the arrests are a combination of good detective work and some alert victims.

Police say the unidentified suspects tried to rob the Phillips 66 on Highway 280. The woman clerk says the male suspect pulled a gun and demanded money. But she pulled her own gun and chased the suspect away.

"She did see the vehicle in the parking lot and she did discharge one round at the vehicle as it was leaving," said Captain Van Jackson with the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

The getaway car was a dark Ford Taurus. An alert immediately went out to local law enforcement agencies, including nearby Phenix City Police Department.

"Almost immediatly after we put it out on the radio, on our broadcast channel, we had a robbery reported at the Big Cat on Highway 80," said Captain Jim Hart, with the Phenix City Police Department.

After the second robbery, police got the break they were after. A carjacking victim reported seeing her stolen car, a black ford taurus, near the Budget Motel in Smiths Station.

The two suspects were taken into custody without incident at the motel.

"In law enforcement we will take luck anytime. This particular arrest might be able to clear up some other robberies and thefts that have occurred this jurisdiction, Phenix City and possibly Columbus." explained Captain Van Jackson.

As of late Wednesday afternoon Police were still trying to identify the two suspects and get them formally charged.

Meanwhile, area police report a rash of armed robberies lately, possibly because the holidays are getting close. While officers understand a persons right to defend themselves, they recommend if someone does demand money from you, give it to them.