of strong-arm robbery

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

No arrests have been made in the strong-arm robbery reported to have occurred Monday afternoon at Tony’s Italian Restaurant and Lounge on U.S. 231.

Officers with the Troy Police Department responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery at approximately 1:30 p.m. The incident allegedly occurred in the parking lot of the local restaurant and lounge located near Pike County Road 21.

Information provided to the TPD revealed the incident occurred when the victim was getting out of her car in front of the business where she works.

The victim, whose name was not released, indicated one or more perpetrators pushed her down and took property belonging to the business. An undetermined amount of currency and checks were allegedly taken during the incident, Chief Anthony Everage stated.

He said detectives are following up on leads and are interviewing potential witnesses in the case.

The victim was transported to Edge Regional Medical Center, but suffered no major injuries.

While detectives are working on that case, they are also working to apprehend other suspects in robberies reported over the Memorial Day weekend.

John Wesley Gray Jr., 24, of Montgomery County was arrested on May 31 on one count of robbery, first degree, in connection with an incident at the Scottish Inn Motel in Troy.

He was also charged on June 1 on three counts of robbery, first degree, at a local residence.

Gray, who was apprehended by the Troy Police Department with the assistance of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, is also a suspect in an earlier robbery that occurred in Montgomery County. His bond was set at $50,000 on each count.

All three incidents ­ at two businesses and one residence ­ were reported on Sunday, May 27, Everage said.

The first reported robbery occurred early that morning "at an establishment on U.S. Highway 29 North" the second business was the local motel located on U.S. 231.

At approximately 3:25 a.m., at least two and possibly three suspects entered the business

on Highway 29 and allegedly robbed the owner and five patrons. Police advised the suspects were armed with a shotgun and an assault rifle. Money and liquor was reportedly taken from the business. Personal property and money were also reportedly taken from those in the business during the incident.

No one was injured during the incident.

The suspects were described as 5-foot-9, 150 pounds; 6-foot-2 tall, 270 pounds and approximately 6 feet tall, weighing between 200 and 220 pounds. They reportedly fled the scene in a red vehicle, heading toward Troy.

The second robbery reportedly occurred at approximately 9:10 p.m. that day when two suspects entered the motel and attempted to gain entry to the locked office area. One of the suspects was reportedly armed with a pistol and the second suspect attempted to open the office door. Their attempt to enter the office was not successful and they left the scene on foot in an unknown direction. The clerk was not injured and no property was taken.

According to police officials, one suspect was wearing a mask and the other individual was wearing a toboggan. They were described as being in their early to mid-20s and approximately 6-foot-2. One of the men weighed approximately 230 pounds and the other weighed about 180 pounds.

A "home-invasion-type offense" occurred around 9:50 p.m. at Park and Elm Streets.

Two suspects reportedly entered the residence unannounced and robbed the victims of personal property at gun point, according to information released by Everage.

One of the suspects was armed with a pistol and was wearing a mask, light colored shirt and dark pants. He was described as being 6-foot-2, 230 pounds and in his mid-20s. The second subject was wearing a toboggan and dark denim jacket. He was about the same age and height and weighed about 180 pounds.

Troy police believe the two Sunday night incidents were committed by the same suspects and have not ruled out all three are connected.

Other individuals are expected to be charged for these crimes.

Everage is asking anyone with information about these robberies or the individuals who committed them, to call the Troy Police Department at 566-0500 or the Secret Witness Line at 566-5555.