Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
|
Wallace Demetrius Roberts, 18, of Fairway Avenue, Carlton Cotrell Holmes, 19, of Trinity Road in Trinity, Jerry Michael Rich Jr., 17, of Council Street, and James Alexander Thompson, 18, of National Highway, are charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and discharging a firearm within city limits. Holmes, Rich, and Thompson were also charged with simple possession of marijuana. All four were placed in Davidson County Jail under a $10,000 secured bond and have a court date of Feb. 29.
On Jan. 22, police responded to a robbery call at J Mart. According to police, two black men entered the store and one of the men pointed a gun at both of the victims and demanded money. Before the suspects fled, a shot was fired, but there were no injuries.
Detectives Larry Pugh and Brad Saintsing conducted a surveillance Friday afternoon at 118 National Highway.
“As a result of the surveillance we were able to make a drug arrest,” Saintsing said. “I’m not saying where we uncovered the marijuana. It wasn’t necessarily uncovered in the house. We recovered a gun and we’re glad to have another gun off the street.”
An investigation by detectives led them to believe there were an additional two suspects in the vehicle, Saintsing said.
Additionally, Saintsing and Pugh learned the suspects were involved with a local gang, but would not elaborate on their affiliation. This is the second time within a month that a group — believed by police to be associated with a gang — has robbed convenience stores in Thomasville and surrounding areas.
Saintsing said the investigation is continuing and the suspects could face additional charges in connection with the crime.
Thomasville police are also investigating a robbery that occurred at the Exxon at 1 Unity St. on Jan. 6. As gas station clerks were arriving for work, witnesses said two black males pulled into the parking lot driving a new, small, silver four-door vehicle. One of the men had a handgun.
“One of the victims pulled into the parking lot, and the second victim pulled into the parking lot and she was robbed thereafter,” Saintsing said.
The men left with a undisclosed amount of cash and took one victim’s pocketbook.
Police are describing both suspects as approximately 5 feet, 5 inches to 5 feet, 7 inches tall, 150 pounds and wearing black clothing.
With the recent rash of robberies in the area, Saintsing hopes store clerks will be more aware while on the job.
“People running stores should be aware of their surroundings and always keep windows clear,” Saintsing said. “Therefore, they can be a great witness.”
Anyone with information on the robberies is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers of Thomasville at 475-8477.
Staff Writer Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 231, or ignasiak@tvilletimes.com.