Two charged in armed robbery

Published 10:42 am Tuesday, March 23, 2010

GARYSBURG – Two men are behind bars and authorities are seeking at least one other person in connection with a robbery here last week.

According to Northampton County Sheriff Wardie Vincent, three young men allegedly entered a residence on Clanton Garner Trail and brandished hand guns on March 18. The trio then forced the residents – a man, his wife and a child – to lie down on the floor and robbed them of a sum of money.

“They robbed them and then threatened to kill them if they got up,” Sheriff Vincent said.

Since the incident, two arrests have been made. Anthony Tyrone Ransom, 20, of East Sixth Street in Weldon was arrested March 19 in Garysburg and charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, two counts of second degree kidnapping and two counts of assault by pointing a gun.

On the same day, Mack Mallory Wayne Jr., 21, of Washington Street in Garysburg was arrested and charged with the same counts.

Each of the suspects was placed in the Northampton County Detention Center under a $60,000 secured bond.

“We are currently looking for a third person,” Sheriff Vincent said. “We know who the suspect is and we’re searching for him at this time.”

The sheriff did not release the name of the suspect, but did say that there may be additional charges yet to come in the incident.

“We are continuing to investigate this case and there could be additional arrests made,” he said.

Northampton County Sheriff’s Detective Brenda Burnette led the investigation in the case with Deputies Langley and Jackson among those who offered assistance.

The Gaston Police Department also aided in the investigation.

“I appreciate the work of my officers and those who aided in this investigation,” Sheriff Vincent said. “We’ll keep working until everyone responsible for this crime is behind bars.”