News Editor

One man is being sought in connection with an alleged armed robbery of an off-duty Pike County Sheriff’s deputy, which occurred in the early morning hours at a nightclub south of Troy.

According to information released by Troy Police Chief Anthony Everage, the incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. Sunday morning in front of the Paradise Club, located on Highway 231 South near Troy.

A police department spokesperson said when officers arrived on the scene, they were told a male subject approached the off-duty deputy and a relative who was with him as they stood outside the club. The subject allegedly pointed a handgun at the victims and demanded money.

According to police reports, an undisclosed amount of cash was taken from the victims before the suspect fled the scene in a black automobile, heading north on Highway 231.

A spokesperson for the Pike County Sheriff’s Department said the deputy followed the suspect in his own vehicle north on 231. According to the spokesperson, the suspect turned into the south entrance of the Wal-Mart store and drove through the parking lot, exited the parking lot back onto 231 North, then took a right onto Franklin Drive.

According to Troy Police Department reports, after turning onto Franklin Drive, the suspect lost control of his vehicle in the vicinity of Glenwood Avenue and fled on foot.

The sheriff’s department spokesperson said the deputy, who had been in constant contact with other police officials, said he saw the suspect flee the scene.

According to a Police Department spokesperson, the Troy Police Department brought in K-9 units and conducted an extensive search of the area, but was unable to locate the suspect.

As of press time Monday, no arrests had been made in the incident and the case is still under investigation. The name of the deputy involved and the suspect are currently not being released due to the ongoing investigation.

"Our officers are following all leads associated with this case," said Troy Police Department Public Information Officer Benny Scarbrough.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Troy Police Department at 566-0500 or the secret witness line at 566-5555.