HPD apprehends two armed robbery suspects


Michael Alston
Armed robbery suspect Michael Alston, 400 Chavis Road, Kittrell

Johnnie Oneal Lewis
Armed robbery suspect Johnnie Oneal Lewis, 27, of 203 Welcome Avenue

On July 7, 2009, at 7:24 p.m. officers of the Henderson Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery at Carolina Market located at 501 Old Epsom Road.

Officers arrived and learned that a customer had been robbed while at the gas pump. He stated he was getting into his vehicle when he was approached by two individuals. One had a handgun and threatened to shoot him, and then he demanded money. The victim stated he was robbed of $500.

The suspects ran down Park Avenue. Police searched the area and located one suspect and, after a foot chase and a brief struggle, the individual was taken into custody. The suspect was armed with a handgun when he was apprehended by officers. The other individual was located hiding inside a residence on Park Avenue.

Johnnie Oneal Lewis, 27 of 203 Welcome Avenue and Michael Alston of 400 Chavis Road were arrested and charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery. Both individuals were placed in the Vance County Jail under a $100,000 bond pending a July 20, 2009 court appearance.

The money taken from the victim was also recovered from the suspects.

Lewis was also charged with possession of a firearm by convicted felon.