Arrest made in robbery of evacuees
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 7, 2005
DEMOPOLIS-Suspects in Thursday’s robbery of a room at the Demopolis Red Carpet Inn did not run long. Authorities announced Tuesday they had taken two suspects into custody and recovered most of the stolen materials. Tywan Campbell, 22, of Demopolis and Gregory Green, 23, of Demopolis were taken into custody in connection with the robbery.
The crime was very discouraging for the Demopolis Police Department because the victims were a family from New Orleans who had evacuated because of Hurricane Katrina. Demopolis Police Chief Jeff Manuel said they were disappointed anyone would victimize someone in such a tough situation, but felt the nature of the crime also helped them gather information.
“We just hate this for the victims,” Manuel said. “These people have been through so much and you hate to hear about something like this happening. I think that is why so many people were willing to help.”
The victims reported that a suspect entered their room and took a purse containing a large sum of cash and all the victim’s identification. The victim awoke as the suspect was attempting to steal the purse and when the victim screamed the suspect pointed a gun at the victim and fled the room.
During the investigation, information led to several suspects. The result was Campbell’s arrest for receiving stolen property, first degree, and Green for robbery, first degree.
Manuel said the information, along with good police work, led to the timely arrest of Campbell and Green.
“It was just a matter beating the bushes,” Manuel said. “We used the information we had to search until we were able to locate them.”
After the arrests a large portion of the victims money was recovered and the purse containing all of the victims identification was recovered.
Demopolis Police believe other suspects might have been involved as well. If you have information about this case please call Sgt. Tim Soronen at 334-289-3073.