There was an armed robbery at Mr Pips on Colquitt Highway (Highway 27 north) at about 10:15 pm on Monday night.

Two witnesses in the robbery tell us what happened, scenes of the area.

Martin Ricketson from Hazelhurst drives a semi for Propex.  He stated the gunman came in cussing and rippin' and rarin' and ordering people around and pointing a gun at everyone.  Donald Henley, of Sneeds, was on his way to work at Shaw.  He described it as "Downright scary, especially looking at the barrel of a gun in your face.

After the gunman got the $150-$200 from the register, he demanded the men's wallets.  He walked over to get them but apparently got scared and took off without taking them.

While Sheriff's Deputy Steve Black arrived at the convenience store, all other deputies covered roads surrounding the area.  Public Safety covered the Bainbridge side and GSP responded from Colquitt and Miller County Deputies were notified.

Investigator Victor Strickland arrived to handle the investigation and Captain Gale Bowyer arrived to process the scene.  Tracking dogs from ACI, Apalachee Correctional Institute in Sneads FL, were immediately called to track the suspect.  The dogs tracked north several hundred yards to a parking lot where they lost the scent.  It is presumed that is where a car was waiting for the suspect.

A few minutes later, Miller County Deputy Dale Mitchell spotted a Mazda coming north on Highway 27.  Deputy Mitchell stated the car started to turn and then suspiciously changed direction and continued on.  Miller County Deputy Mitchell continued to follow the vehicle as it turned and then headed south onto Highway 310. 

The car turned into a driveway and Deputy Mitchell drove on.  Still suspicious, he stopped down the road and waited to see if the car was just trying get rid of him and would continue.  A few minutes later, here they came.  He caught up with them just south of Bethel Road on Highway 310.

The driver of the vehicle was a DUI habitual violator and was placed under arrest.  The passenger was very similar to the robber and was temporarily held for Decatur County.

Deputy Mitchell, Suspect in Armed Robbery, Investigator Strickland

Investigator Strickland arrived and questioned the man.  In the man's pockets, he discovered the approximate amount of cash, and in the approximate denominations, as the cash stolen in the robbery.  He took custody of the cash for investigative purposes.

Investigator Strickland requested CSI Captain Bowyer.  CSI Bowyer took the suspect's fingerprints and his shoes for investigative purposes.  Without concrete evidence to link him to the robbery, the suspect was released.

The gunman wore a mask that one witness described as a crocheted type mask and one glove.  Captain Bowyer stated he was able to lift some prints at the scene for comparison.