DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) – Dothan police quickly arrested a suspect after an armed robbery at a gas station late Friday night.
Just after 10 p.m. on September 12, officers responded to reports of a robbery in the 100 block of Ross Clark Circle. Police said a man wearing a hoodie, mask, and socks on his hands entered the store with what looked like a long gun and demanded money from the clerk.
A witness saw the suspect run toward a wooded area and directed officers, who were on scene within minutes. With the help of K-9 officers and aerial support from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Wiregrass Aerial Support Program, police tracked the suspect.
An officer spotted a man leaving the woods, and when ordered to stop, he ran. After falling into a ditch during the chase, he was taken into custody. Officers recovered a bag containing the stolen cash, along with the hoodie, socks, and gun — which turned out to be a toy.
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Kevone Devontay Smith of Dothan, is charged with first-degree robbery and attempting to elude law enforcement.
“Robbing stores, toy gun or not, will not be tolerated in the City of Dothan. People who commit these types of dangerous crimes will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law,” said Chief William E. Benny.
Police said additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
