Customer accused of robbing store clerk at gunpoint | Crime

A Jonesboro man is being held on $200,000 bond after police say he attempted to rob a convenience store at gunpoint.

According to court records, the attempted hold-up occurred just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, August 15, at the Race Street Market, 3509 Race Street.

The store clerk told officers when he arrived he found the suspect, 18-year-old Ryan Cody James, sitting on the curb.  Recognizing him as a regular customer, the clerk said he “did not think anything about him, so he went to unlock the door.”

A few seconds later James reportedly put a red bandana over his face and ran toward the clerk, holding a small revolver in his hand.

According to the police report, James was caught on the store surveillance video chasing the clerk around the victim’s car.  At one point James tripped over a concrete block and stumbled.  At that point, the clerk ran toward some nearby apartments.

The clerk later showed the investigating officer video of James in the store from the previous night making a purchase.  He was also able to identify James in a six-person picture lineup, according to the court records.

A BOLO was issued for James and he was arrested early Thursday morning.  During his arrest police say they found a loaded .22 revolver. 

In a recorded interview, James reportedly admitted he did the robbery and said the gun police recovered was the one he used.

He appeared in District Court Thursday afternoon where he was charged with aggravated robbery, a Class Y Felony.  He is being held at the Craighead County Detention Center in lieu of $200,000 bond.

Photo provided by Craighead County Detention Center