“I was just passing through,” Roderick Moore explained to West Blocton police. Moore, a forty-five year old black male from Birmingham, is suspected of robbing Dollar General in West Blocton Monday, August 10, 2009 at approximately 11:30 a.m. According to West Blocton Chief of Police Keith Whatley, the suspect entered the store and walked around for a while, presumably, to allow customers to leave. Eventually, he made his way up to the register, which was being attended by an eighteen-year old employee. Moore then paid for an item. As the register opened, he reached across the counter grabbing the cash drawer and fled the scene. A few customers in the parking lot witnessed him drive off in his 1994 Ford Ranger, he had originally parked behind the store.
Chief Whatley, along with Officer Jonathan Mitchell, intercepted the vehicle on Highway 5 North. Eventually, Moore abandoned the vehicle, running off into the woods in Woodstock. Bibb County Sheriff’s Department, along with Lakeview and Woodstock police, arrived to assist in the manhunt. Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Department assisted from the sky via helicopter.
According to Whatley, Moore had been spotted a few times in the woods and on the railroad tracks around Sable Steel. The manhunt lasted under two hours, coming to a close at approximately 1:20 p.m. Employees of Sable Steel had informed authorities that they had spotted him. With this information and the combined efforts of the police departments, his precise location was pinpointed. The suspect is currently in custody at Bibb County Jail, charged with third degree robbery, and third degree burglary. There has been no court date set as of yet. Moore is already on probation and parole in Jefferson County, and has therefore been placed on hold.
Initial reports last week indicated the suspect had been armed. Confirmed reports after press time revealed that he had in fact not been armed. “We appreciate everybody’s efforts and assistance. The departments worked well together. We also appreciate the assistance of the employees at Sable Steel. Apprehending this criminal safely and efficiently was a combined community effort,” said Chief Whatley.
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