Two guys have been arrested in connection with a string of armed robberies that occurred over the weekend in the Pee Dee.
ABC15 has learned that the men and others are implicated in robberies that occurred in Hartsville, Dillon, and Darlington.
Bennettsville Police Chief Kevin Miller said the duo was nabbed Sunday evening near the Fire Stone area of the city.
According to a Bennettsville police report, Darlington County 911 dispatchers provided information about the robbery suspects to Marlboro County 911 dispatchers.
Part of the officer’s report reads:
“A phone call from the Darlington County 911 center reported that many armed robbery suspects were on their way to Marlboro County on Highway 15/401. Dispatch informed us that they would offer additional information as soon as they received it from Darlington County.
I was able to contact a Hartsville police officer who was working the event and requested crucial information. The officer provided me with a photo of the vehicle and informed me that there were numerous armed persons inside. I directed city cops to ride and check on hotels in the region, as the subjects appear to have been targeting hotels throughout the surrounding counties.”
The officer also states in the incident report:
“As I approached the crossroads of Hwy 15/401 and Cottingham Blvd., I observed a blue Honda hatchback-like vehicle that matched the description of what the robbery suspects were driving. After passing this car, I quickly told Dispatch that I was keeping a watch on the blue Honda vehicle as it returned to the city limits.
I turned back and resumed following the vehicle until we reached the city boundaries, at which point I activated my blue lights. The vehicle drove down Highway 15/401 until the driver turned right onto State Street, at which point I activated my blue lights and attempted a traffic stop. After realizing that the automobile would not stop.
I informed central dispatch that I was attempting to stop them; the vehicle continued down State Street before turning onto Patten Street. Once on Patten Street, I followed in behind the vehicle as they approached the curve and jumped out, leaving the vehicle in drive, causing it to roll and come to a stop against a bush. I advised dispatch that multiple subjects jumped out of the vehicle and ran in opposite directions.”
According to the incident report, a tracking team from the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office was brought in to assist in the hunt for the suspects.
A short time later, two of the men were apprehended and arrested. It’s unclear how many people got away. The search for the remaining suspects is underway.
ABC15 has reached out to the Hartsville Police Department for more information.
If you have any information on the robberies, you’re urged to call 911.