Deputies: Teen suspects charged in armed robbery

Richland County deputies charged a 14-year-old and another suspect after they allegedly robbed victim at gunpoint and then fled from the area on their bikes Wednesday evening.

Lt. Curtis Wilson, a sheriff’s department spokesman, said deputies responded to an armed-robbery call in the 6300 block of Fairfield Road at 8:30 p.m.

When deputies arrived, Wilson said they met with a 23-year-old victim who said he was walking down the road when two suspects approached him from behind. One of the suspects drew a handgun and demanded the victim’s personal items.

Wilson said the suspects robbed the victim of his smart phone before fleeing the scene on their bikes.

A description of the suspects was disseminated over the radio, and Columbia Police Department officers later found the suspects still in the area. Both of them had handguns in their possession, Wilson said.

Wilson said 18-year-old Diamante Watts and the 14-year-old suspect have been charged with armed robbery and unlawful carry of a firearm in connection with the incident.

This story was originally published February 18, 2016 at 2:55 PM with the headline "Deputies: Teen suspects charged in armed robbery."