One arrested, one sought in armed robbery

Published 12:56 pm Saturday, April 10, 2010

AHOSKIE – One person has been arrested while another is sought from an armed robbery here March 28.

Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh said 23-year-old Sheena Yvette Lyles of 301 North Pembroke Ave. was arrested Thursday. Lyles was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon and larceny by an employee. She was jailed under a $25,000 secured bond and was scheduled to make her first court appearance on Friday.

Fitzhugh said Lyles was one of two clerks working at the Duck-Thru Convenience Store, located on North Academy Street, on the night of the robbery.

The robber is believed to be Michael Devon Lee, 32, of 107 Holloman Ave.

Armed with search and arrest warrants, a team of Ahoskie Police officers went to Lee’s residence on Thursday. He was not at home.

Lee is wanted on five charges – armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, all felony charges, and assault by pointing a weapon and communicating threats, both misdemeanors.

Ahoskie Police continue to search for Lee. He is described as a black male with a medium build and a tattoo on his left arm.

“He should be considered as armed and dangerous, so please use extreme caution when coming in contact with him,” Fitzhugh warned.

Information of Lee’s whereabouts can be reported by contacting Lt. Detective Jeremy Roberts at the Ahoskie Police Department (332-5011).

“The guys did a great job investigating this case,” Fitzhugh said. “We were assisted by the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office and Hertford County Probation and Parole. I would especially like to thank Lt. Roberts for solving this crime in a quick and professional manner.”

The crime was reported shortly before the store closed at 10 p.m. on March 28. There it is believed Lee entered the store brandishing a handgun. He approached the checkout counter where one of the clerks was standing on the customer’s side of the counter while the other clerk was at the cash register. At that point he grabbed the clerk standing on his side of the counter by the hair and then demanded money from the clerk at the register.

An undetermined amount of cash was taken.