Man accused of robbery at knifepoint indicted

By Staff
Nathan Strickland
A Franklin County grand jury has indicted a Hamilton man accused of robbing the 24-hour Chevron gas station located on U.S. 43 in Russellville during the early morning hours of May 10, 2009.
Franklin County Courthouse officials said James Wesley Ennis, of 1635 Marion 40 in Hamilton, was indicted on the charge of first-degree robbery during the March session of the Franklin County grand jury.
Authorities said Ennis was arrested and accused of going into the gas station, holding the cashier hostage at knife point, taking some money out of the cash register, then running off.
Officials said surveillance video shows the suspect coming into the gas station, hiding his face and heading straight into the restroom.
After a couple of minutes, the footage shows the suspect darting behind the cashier and holding a knife to her throat, officials said.
Authorities said the cashier did in fact have a cut mark on her throat, but was not severely injured during the incident.
Authorities said the witness then ran outside the gas station searching for help.
Investigators said once officers arrived the suspect had fled the scene, leaving behind a hat in the parking lot.
Investigators said they later found a pink, Pro Tan t-shirt, which witnesses said, was used to cover the suspect’s face along with other clothing that were discarded in a wooded area 200 to 300 yards away from the scene of the crime.
Witnesses told investigators the suspect had ran out of the store and headed toward the back of the store in the direction of Charles Place Apartments, authorities said.
Investigators said surveillance video footage and witness information led to Ennis’ arrest.
Investigators said Ennis denies even being there during the robbery and claims he had nothing to do with the crime.
Ennis is currently being held at the Franklin County Jail.
First-degree robbery is a Class A felony and can be punishable by 20 years to life in prison, if convicted.