Managing Editor

Jan. 20, 2000 10 PM

Troy police nabbed an alleged armed robbery less than 12 hours after he reportedly held a victim at gunpoint and took an undisclosed amount of cash at the Spee-D-Cee convenience store on South Brundidge Street Thursday morning.

Police arrested Hayward Jones, 29, or Troy for first-degree armed robbery and are attempting to located property taken from the alleged victim, Kenny Sears, a TSU student.

"The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m.," said Troy Police Chief Anthony Everage. "This was apparently an incident in the parking area of the store.

Jones was arrested Thursday afternoon and was charged for the incident, which is a Class A felony under Alabama state law.

According to police, the victim had patronized the Subway sandwich shop located inside the convenience store and was robbed at gunpoint when he left the business.

"He reported that he was confronted by a black male suspect wearing a black and yellow shirt and a skull cap," said Sgt. Benny Scarbrough, public information officer for the Troy Police Department. "The victim said the suspect pointed a handgun at him and robbed him of his money."

Reports indicate that the incident occurred in the parking area of the establishment and not inside, police said.

The suspect was last seen fleeing the scene on foot heading toward Normal Avenue, Scarbrough said.

The victim was not injured in the incident.

"This is an unfortunate situation," Scarbrough said. "It tells the public the importance of safety, especially when people have to be out late."

Police are continuing the investigation and hope that the victim’s property will be recovered.

At press time, bond on the suspect had not been set.