Lt. Jeremy Haywood told The Daily Herald that the department has two juveniles in custody, suspected of taking part in the robbery of the Hardison’s Spur convenience store and gas station. Following the department’s standard procedure, the identity of the underage individuals has not been disclosed. The two suspects, residents of Columbia, Tennessee, face charges of aggravated robbery and are currently being held at the Middle Tennessee Juvenile Detention Center awaiting trial in juvenile court.
At 9:30 p.m. Thursday, two offenders entered the convenience store and held two clerks at gunpoint, taking an undisclosed amount of money, Haywood said. Surveillance video of the crime, released by the police department, shows two masked and hooded suspects enter the store wearing gloves. The video shows one suspect, wearing a backpack, collecting cash handed over by the clerks as a second suspect holds the two employees at gunpoint. The two suspects then fled the scene on foot. Haywood said investigators have determined that this case, and a second robbery at Columbia Discount Tobacco on Wednesday, are thought to be connected.
On Friday, Columbia police officers apprehended 16-year-old Martrelle Peete for the armed robbery of Columbia Discount Tobacco. His name was released due to the fact that police were actively searching for him for allegedly escaping from a halfway house and stealing a car prior to the robbery. Peete, who is also being held at the Middle Tennessee Juvenile Detention Center, faces charges of aggravated robbery, theft of a motor vehicle and evading arrest. “We ask for those in the community to remain vigilant,” Haywood said. “If you find yourself in a similar situation, cooperate.” [Source: The Daily Herald]