Suspect Caught in Overnight Armed Robbery

By Charlie Bauder, WNEG Radio, Toccoa

In Stephens County, a person of interest is in custody and is being questioned in connection with an armed robbery overnight.

It happened at the Dollar General store on Highway 106 in the New Hope community near the Franklin-Stephens County line.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said a man, armed with a handgun, held up one customer in the store parking lot and attempted to get in the victim’s car.

According to the Sheriff, a search was conducted in the area of the old Joe Martin’s store after a GSP trooper spotted the gunman run across Highway 106 and jump a fence below the Dollar General.

K-9’s from the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office in a wide perimeter search.

The sheriff said just after 1 a.m. authorities had apprehended a person of interest.

That suspect, Sheriff Shirley said, is from Florida is on parole there for armed robbery.

He said the suspect, who’s name has not yet been released, has been taken to the Stephens County Jail to be interviewed by investigators .

Meantime, Shirley said the search for the stolen property and a weapon continues.

More on this developing story as details become available.