Published: November 07, 2008 09:41 pm      

Suspect identified in armed robbery

LEWISBURG — A suspect involved in an armed robbery of a Lewisburg convenience store has been identified, but remained at-large Friday, police said.

Lewisburg Police Chief Tim Stover said a warrant for the arrest of Oscar McKinley Adkins, 26, of Shady Spring had been issued. Stover said Adkins should be considered armed and dangerous.

Stover said Adkins and another individual entered an Exxon station near the Brier Inn complex about 1 a.m. Friday and demanded money from the clerk after threatening him with a handgun.

The suspects fled after retrieving an undetermined amount of cash.

“The clerk on duty went outside in an attempt to get a license number and one of the suspects fired two shots in his direction,” Stover said.

The clerk was not injured in the incident, Stover said, and no other patrons or employees were in the store at the time of the robbery.

Lewisburg Officer J.A. Vance pursued the suspect’s vehicle west on Interstate 64. The pursuit ended in Fayette County near Meadow Bridge.

“The suspects fled their vehicle and ran into a wooded area,” Stover said. “K-9 units from the Fayette County sheriff’s office were used and a search was conducted until 6 a.m. this morning.”

Stover said the suspects were described as two white males, “one with a short, stocky build, short in nature, and the other was slimmer and clean shaven.”

One suspect wore camouflage pants and a black sweatshirt and the other was wearing jeans and a black sweatshirt.

Stover said video of the robbery and the vehicle’s registration helped determine Adkins’ identity and the second suspect is also being identified.

Ronceverte police, Greenbrier County sheriff’s deputies, Raleigh County sheriff’s deputies and State Police troopers also assisted.

Stover is asking the public to call 304-645-1626 with any information about the robbery or to call any local, county or State Police office.

— E-mail: cgiggenbach@register-herald.com