Lee County, Alabama – Deputies in Lee County are searching for two armed robbery suspects after a late-night holdup at a convenience store along Highway 280 East. Authorities say one suspect brandished a knife while the other displayed a handgun, leaving employees shaken but unharmed.
The robbery occurred just before 11 p.m. Saturday at Terry’s 280 Marathon gas station and convenience store, where surveillance video captured the tense moments as suspects demanded cash and ordered workers to the ground.
Incident Overview
According to investigators, two men entered the store together, immediately threatening employees with weapons. One suspect held a large knife, while the second showed a gun, escalating the danger inside the business within seconds.
Deputies with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office say the suspects demanded money from the register before fleeing the scene. No physical injuries were reported, but employees described the encounter as terrifying.
Timeline of Events
The incident unfolded rapidly late Saturday night, shortly before closing hours. Store security footage shows the suspects entering the store, confronting staff, and issuing commands.
Investigators confirmed the robbery took place just before 11 p.m., a time when fewer customers were present, which may have been a factor in the suspects’ planning.
Details From Police and Officials
Authorities say the suspects’ actions were clearly captured on the store’s surveillance system. The footage reportedly includes audio of the demands made during the robbery.
“Get on the ground, get on the ground. Open the cash register, open the register,”
the suspects can be heard saying in the video.
Deputies are reviewing the footage and following up on leads. Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity near Highway 280 East around the time of the robbery is urged to come forward.
Store Employees Shaken by the Incident
Stephen Garrison, the cashier working behind the counter at the time, said the experience has left a lasting impact.
“I’m pretty mad and afraid at the same time,”
Garrison said, describing the emotional toll of the encounter.
Store owner Dillon Terry echoed those concerns, noting that while employees have returned to work, the fear remains.
“Our cashiers are shook up so that’s not good. They are still working, but it was pretty scary for them,”
Terry said. “We are just trying to do things better in the future so we can prevent this from happening ever again.”
Crime Uncommon for the Area
Terry added that armed robberies are rare in this part of Lee County, making the incident especially alarming for workers and nearby residents.
“It doesn’t happen around here too much,”
he said. “That’s why everybody is kind of concerned, because this area is a pretty good area.”
Law enforcement officials say that while violent crime remains relatively low along this stretch of Highway 280, incidents like this highlight the importance of vigilance and community reporting.
Public Safety and Awareness
Deputies encourage business owners to review security procedures, including camera placement, lighting, and cash-handling policies, to reduce the risk of similar crimes. Customers and residents are also reminded to report any suspicious behavior, especially during late-night hours.
Tips can be shared directly with the Central Alabama Crime Stoppers, which allows anonymous reporting. Information can also be provided to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Additional guidance on submitting tips is available through official law enforcement channels.
Conclusion
As investigators continue searching for the two armed suspects, deputies stress that community cooperation will be key to resolving the case. The incident has shaken store employees but also prompted renewed attention to safety measures in the area.
Anyone with information that could help identify the suspects is urged to contact authorities. Share your experiences in the comments below.
