STAFF REPORT :::
The Griffin Police Department has arrested six men in connection to a Tuesday morning armed robbery at Bowen’s Pharmacy located at 1378 Experiment St.
According to a press release issued by the GPD, upon arrival, officers were given a description of suspects and a description and the tag number of the vehicle allegedly used by suspects.
While en route to the residence listed on the vehicle’s registration, investigators encountered the suspect vehicle and initiated a stop.
The vehicle’s driver, Marquez Kenon, of McDonough, was taken into custody without incident.
Surveillance footage obtained from Bowen’s Pharmacy yielded additional information that officials say directed them to a location in South Hampton Mobile Home Park where other suspects were taken into custody.
In addition to Kenon, the GPD has arrested in connection with the incident Shamir Johnson, age 18, of Hampton; Devontae Slaton, age 18, of Jonesboro; Ethan McIntyre, age 20, of Theodore, Ala.; Tory Wooten, age 17, of Griffin; and Christopher Rogers, age 20, of McDonough.
All six suspects have been charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, possession with intent to distribute a Schedule One substance and violation of the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act.
Authorities say GPD investigators “worked tirelessly to bring this case to a conclusion,” adding that personnel of the Criminal Investigation Division, Special Investigations Unit and Criminal Apprehension and Gang Enforcement (CAGE) Unit “worked seamlessly and in unison with each other” on this case.
The GPD also extended appreciation to the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office for assistance with warrant service in unincorporated Spalding County and the Henry County Police Department for investigative assistance.
This investigation remains ongoing and an additional series of crimes may be related to this group of suspects across several jurisdictions, officials said.
“It is not enough to simply charge these individuals with their crimes; the case must be built to convict them and send them to prison for a long, long time,” said GPD Chief Mike Yates. “GPD wants to send the message that we will use all the tools available to successfully prosecute these gangsters.”
