APD arrests pair for armed robbery

Published 6:00 pm Friday, August 30, 2019

AHOSKIE – Two teens stand charged after a pair of robbery attempts here early Monday morning, one at a business and another at a residence.

Kareem Syncere Warren, 17, of Catherine Street, Ahoskie, and Tyrese Jamal Chamblee, 19, of Virginia were arrested. Both are being held under $400,000 secured bonds in the Hertford County Detention Center.

According to Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh, both men were charged with two felony counts each of armed robbery, conspiracy, and discharging a weapon into an occupied moving vehicle. They also face two misdemeanor counts each of damage/injury to personal property.

Additionally, Fitzhugh said Chamblee was charged with two felony counts of attempted first degree murder, and one misdemeanor count of resist/delay/obstruct a law enforcement officer.

Both men made their initial appearances on Tuesday in Hertford County Criminal District Court.

Meanwhile, the search continues for a third individual believed to be involved in both crimes.

Fitzhugh said the first incident was reported at around 2 a.m. at Top Dogz, an internet café located on US 13 South. There, a security guard at the business was accompanying two employees as they exited the building at closing time.

“While in the parking lot, the guard and the two female employees were approached on foot by three suspects,” Fitzhugh said. “The guard told the two employees to run to their cars, lock the doors, and leave, which they did. However, as they were leaving, one of the suspects displayed a weapon, according to the guard, and fired at the two vehicles.”

Fitzhugh added that one bullet hole was later discovered in each vehicle.

“Fortunately, neither driver was injured,” Fitzhugh stated. “As for the security guard, he fled the parking lot on foot.”

Upon the arrival of the Ahoskie Police, they viewed the video cameras at the business and were able to gain a general description of the three suspects. That would prove to come in handy just a short time later.

“At around 3:30 a.m. we got a call from a residence in the 200 block of North Academy Street in reference to three suspects holding a victim and demanding money,” Fitzhugh said. “A Hertford County Sheriff’s Deputy was in that area and immediately responded. He saw one of the suspects running away and the deputy gave chase.”

Fitzhugh stated that APD Detective Justin Farmer, who was involved in the investigation of the robbery attempt at Top Dogz, then arrived at the Academy Street residence where he noted two suspects attempting to flee.

“They matched the description of the suspects viewed on the video at Top Dogz,” Fitzhugh said.

Moments later, other APD officers, as well as two K-9 units, arrived on the scene.

“They were able to close in on an area in the Hayes/Mitchell/Railroad Street area,” Fitzhugh remarked. “It was there that Mr. Warren was apprehended at 5:09 a.m. followed by Mr. Chamblee at around 8:30 a.m.

“I commend my officers, the K-9 officers, and the Hertford County deputies for their hard work to apprehend two of the suspects. We are continuing our investigation into the third suspect,” Fitzhugh concluded.

 

About Cal Bryant

Cal Bryant, a 40-year veteran of the newspaper industry, serves as the Editor at Roanoke-Chowan Publications, publishers of the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald, Gates County Index, and Front Porch Living magazine.

email author More by Cal