arrested by Troy PD

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

Another robbery suspect has been put behind bars this week to bring the total to three.

Early Friday morning, James Dewayne Hilliard, also known as Jamie, was arrested by officers with the Troy Police Department. The 22-year-old has been charged with third-degree robbery in connection with a Feb. 21 incident at Ingram’s Curb Market parking lot on North Three Notch Street.

That incident was described as a "strong arm" robbery, meaning the victim allegedly had money taken by force without the use of a weapon.

Hilliard was transferred to the Pike County Jail under a $10,000 bond.

The Ingram’s Curb Market robbery is one of 11 robberies reported between Jan. 1 and the end of February. During those same two months in 1999, only four robberies were reported, said Sgt. Benny Scarbrough, public information officer for the TPD.

During this week alone, three robberies were reported and two suspects have been arrested.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with Tuesday night’s armed robbery that occurred at approximately 9:15 p.m. in the vicinity of the Winn Dixie Marketplace and Dozier Trailer Park on Highway 231.

Demetric Toney, 18, and Tamarus Moultry, 16, both of Troy, were taken into custody by officers of the TPD Wednesday night and charged with first degree robbery, which is a Class A felony. Bond for each was set at $10,000.

Scarbrough said the TPD is searching for a third suspect in the case, but is not releasing his name until an arrest is made. A warrant charging him with first-degree robbery has been obtained.

Troy Police Chief Anthony Everage commended patrol officers and detectives for the "hard work and long hours" put into these cases.

As a result of the rise in the number of robberies, the TPD has increased patrols around the city.

"The Troy Police Department will continue the increased patrols and will continue to utilize all resources available to them until all individuals involved in the recent robberies are incarcerated," Everage said.

In addition to the Tuesday night robbery, another was reported this week.

That one occurred around 6 p.m. Monday when the victim was reportedly approached by an armed individual at Blackman Street and Brundidge Boulevard.

Scarbrough said the suspect allegedly pulled a pistol on the victim and demanded money.

The suspect is described as a young black male wearing dark clothing and a cloth over his face.

As officers look for the suspects in those reported robberies, they are continuing the investigation into an incident at Wiregrass Check Cashing Service on University Avenue Monday morning.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., a clerk at the business reported a robbery involving two suspects. An undisclosed amount of money was taken.

The individuals are described as one black male and one white male between the ages of 18 and 20 years old. They were wearing light-colored clothing and baggy pants.

Scarbrough said the clerk advised a weapon, which she did not see, was used.

Both suspect left the business heading in an unknown direction and unknown mode of travel, Scarbrough said.

No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.