By By Adam Prestridge
A man who allegedly attempted to rob a downtown Atmore tax service last week was arrested Thursday morning following a short vehicle pursuit, Atmore Police said.
Keith Lamar Rogers, 38, of Atmore was arrested by Atmore Police officers and charged with robbery after he returned to Rapid Return Tax Service earlier that morning to pick up his tax return check.
Fellow investigator Chuck Brooks said he could hardly believe what he was hearing when the call came in.
Rogers was arrested following a short vehicle pursuit, which began on Patterson Street and ended on Brooks Lane.
Police said Rogers entered the tax service located at 102 N. Main St. on Jan. 21 and threatened to shoot the clerk after demanding money. A second suspect was also at the scene waiting outside for Rogers. The duo was scared away when the employee threatened to call the police and fled the scene.
Tracking dogs from J.O. Davis/Fountain Correctional Facility were called to the scene to track the suspects. The dogs picked up a scent and tracked it north on Hwy. 21. APD officers and investigators assisted in the manhunt of the suspects for more than two hours, blocking off roadways and redirecting traffic, but they were unable to located.
According to Brooks, the driver of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo involved in the chase Thursday, Kevin T. McDowell, ran from officers after the vehicle was stopped, but was quickly arrested inside a Brooks Lane home and charged with fleeing and attempting to elude officers and driving while license suspended. The passenger in the car, Robert Foreman, who also fled officers, was arrested early Friday morning and charged with second-degree possession of marijuana after drugs were discovered in the vehicle.
Brooks said the investigators and officers involved in the case did a “wonderful” job apprehending the suspect quickly.
The robbery and manhunt has sparked additional downtown efforts by the APD. Director of Public Safety Glenn Carlee said last week that patrols downtown would be increased and that the police department would be glad to assist any business owner or employee to their vehicles after closing shop. He asks that a call be made to the APD about 10 minutes prior to leaving the premises.
If you would like after-hour assistance from APD, call 368-9141.