Monday, Nov. 10, 2008

Three arrested in string of check cashing business armed robberies

Columbia police have arrested and charged three people in connection with a string of armed robberies at local check cashing businesses.

Arrested are:

Kantwan L. Lake, 18, charged with attempted armed robbery and armed robbery Sinclair Terrell Williams,20, charged with armed robbery

Angelina Elizabeth Hammond,17, charged with possession of a weapon during a violent crime and armed robbery

Columbia police are looking for a fourth suspect, Rodricus Antonio Walker, 21. Walker has warrants for criminal conspiracy. Anyone with information about his whereabouts are asked to call crimestoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or the Columbia Police Department at (803) 545-3500.

Reports indicate the suspects would enter the check cashing business, present a handgun(s) and demand money.

At 7 p.m. Sept. 26, a woman and two men entered a business on North Main Street, presented handguns and demanded money. The three then fled in an older model white sedan with an undisclosed amount of money.

At 12:15 p.m. Sept. 30, a woman entered a business on Taylor Street presented a handgun and demanded money. An employee was able to sound an alarm and the woman fled.

And at 9:30 a.m. Oct.1, two men entered a business at 321 Sunset Drive, presented handguns and fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. Police believe the men may have parked a vehicle in a nearby apartment complex. One was wearing a gray hoddie; the other, a black hoodie.

-- From Staff Reports

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