Woodstock Robbery

Late night Woodstock robbery caught on surveillance, suspect turns himself in

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Daniel@Centrevillepress.com

According to Woodstock Police Chief Len Price an Exxon station just off Highway 1-59 in Woodstock may not have been 19-year-old Devon Minter’s first choice of location to commit a recent armed robbery.  On the evening of Monday, July 30, just before entering the store he would eventually rob, the suspect stopped at a nearby Citgo but left after a man outside of the store explained that it was closed. At approximately 10:30 p.m. the suspect reportedly entered the Exxon station, asked for two cigars, and then pressed a gun against the clerk’s head and demanded money from the register. 

In a bold move the clerk attempted to take the gun from the suspect.  The clerk’s efforts failed to stop the crime.  The suspect snatched away and fled to the door but returned immediately thereafter still pointing the gun.  At this point the clerk backed away as the suspect took an undisclosed amount of money from the register.  The suspect then fled the scene. 

“I think he just scoped the area in search of open stores with few late night customers,” said Chief Price.  “He went to the other store and then found the Exxon.  I think he was just looking for any place to rob,”

The entire incident was caught on video surveillance and was display on local news stations in the media coverage area.  The unmasked suspect could be clearly seen and was likely what led to his own efforts to turn himself in an hour after prime time news broadcasting. 

Minter’s mother drove him to a Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s substation where he was taken into and charged with 1^st degree robbery and 3^rd degree theft of property.  He is currently being held at Tuscaloosa County Jail on $10,500 bond. 

While many regard the clerk’s reactions as heroic and gutsy, Chief Price explains that fighting back is a very dangerous way to react during a robbery. 

Price thanked Tuscaloosa County deputies and his own officers for their efforts.

The photo is alleged to be that of the man caught on video surveillance committing armed robbery at an Exxon gas station in Woodstock.  After the full video of the incident made local news stations, the suspect turned himself in.