Two arrested in armed robbery
From left: Kenneth Gregory West and Carlos Gomez.
Local law enforcement agencies worked together Monday night to capture two men accused of robbing a local convenience store at gunpoint, officials said.
Kenneth Gregory West, 43, 77 Wedgewood Dr., Russellville; and Carlos Gomez, 40, 10508 U.S. 43, Russellville were both charged with first-degree robbery and first-degree kidnapping.
Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said additional charges could be pending.
According to Oliver, the incident occurred about 8 p.m. Monday at the Cedar Creek Chevron on U.S. 43.
Oliver said two men entered the convenience store wearing Halloween masks and demanded money.
Oliver said the men forced the convenience store clerk into a closet during the commission of the crime.
He said an undetermined amount of money was taken before both suspects fled the scene in a vehicle.
“Surrounding law enforcement agencies were contacted and given a description of the vehicle that the clerk was able to provide and the direction the suspects were headed,” Oliver said.
A short time later, Oliver said a Phil Campbell officer spotted a vehicle matching the description and began a pursuit when the driver failed to pull over.
During the pursuit, Oliver said the suspects threw items from the vehicle before they wrecked on Franklin 63 in Phil Campbell
Halloween masks fitting the descriptions were recovered in the area the items were thrown from the vehicle, he said.
The two suspects were taken to Russellville ER for injuries they sustained during the wreck. They were treated and released and transported to the Franklin County Jail.
“We are thankful that this situation did not end badly,” Oliver said. “Anytime a weapon is involved or a car chase ensues, there is always the potential for the situation to become dangerous and even deadly.
“We appreciate the help of all agencies involved working together to make sure these suspects were apprehended.”
At press time, both West and Gomez were in custody at the Franklin County Jail without bail.
