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Armed robbery solved

By BEN NELMS
bnelms@TheCitizenNews.com

A July 12 armed robbery in Palmetto came to a quick resolution with an arrest the day after the Peach Mart Convenience Store was hit for an undisclosed amount of cash.

Seventeen year-old Palmetto resident John Gregory was charged with one count of armed robbery in the incident, according to Det. John Cooper.

Cooper said the store clerk was preparing to close for the night at 9:55 p.m. when a lone gunman entered wearing a black sweatshirt and hood. The man produced a handgun and demanded money. After securing an undisclosed amount of cash the man fled on foot, running south from the Fayetteville Road store. The robbery was reported the following day, Cooper said.

Once notified, Cooper began the investigation with Police Cpl. Mike Upshur assisting. Cooper said he subsequently questioned Gregory and took a confession, adding that Gregory was known to frequent the store and was recognized by store personnel. Recovered after the interview was the weapon and stolen money, he said. The weapon used in the robbery was a BB gun, said Cooper. He noted that he received full cooperation from Gregory during the investigation.

Gregory, who has no prior convictions, was transported to Fulton County Jail.

Cooper said it is a wise precautionary measure in businesses such as convenience stores to have a second employee on duty during closing times. He also advised that any business or resident that becomes victimized by criminal activity call police immediately.

“The more time that elapses, the more difficult it becomes to solve a crime,” Cooper said.