Officer Commended for Quick Capture of Robbery Suspect

By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Town of Mount Pleasant

At the July 9 Town Council Meeting, Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails and Town Council recognized PFC. Gerald Jenkins for his heroic actions and awarded him the coveted Employee of the Month Award.

“We are proud to distinguish PFC Jenkins with this award,” said Mayor Swails. “His quick response to the area and diligent search resulted in the arrest of a dangerous armed robber and undoubtedly prevented future robberies by this suspect.”

On June 6, shortly after midnight, officers responded to the Bank of America located at US 17 and the IOP Connector for an armed robbery that had just occurred.

A couple was at the ATM of the Bank of America with the intent of depositing cash into their account. They were approached by a masked gunman who robbed them of their cash.

The responding officer put out a description of the suspect and within a very short time PFC Jenkins who had been patrolling the area made contact with two individuals - one of which did fit the general clothing description. He got out with both subjects and noticed they were very nervous and hesitant to give PFC Jenkins any information.

PFC Jenkins waited for back up and when it arrived he advised both that due to the armed robbery that had just occurred he would be frisking them for weapons. While conducting the pat down of the primary suspect, the suspect broke free and attempted to run from the officers. PFC Jenkins and the backup officer gave foot chase and caught the suspect. A search subsequent to arrest revealed the handgun used in the robbery and the exact amount of cash the victims described being taken from them.