Authorities investigate two robberies

By Messenger Staff Reports

Published: December 31, 2008

Law enforcement authorities are investigating two armed robberies that occurred at convenience stores in the Hartsville area and have one suspect in custody. 

Darlington County sheriff’s deputies arrested one man and are seeking a second in connection with an armed robbery Monday afternoon at Small’s Service Station on Russell Road and South Fifth Street just outside of Hartsville, Lt. Robin Bryant of the sheriff’s office said.

Authorities arrested Terry Cotton, 29, of Clearview Avenue in Hartsville about 2:15 p.m. Monday after they questioned him about the robbery, Bryant said.

About 45 minutes before the arrest, two men wearing masks and carrying at least one gun entered the store, Bryant said.

The men stole an undisclosed amount of money and ran from the store, and the clerk followed the men outside and fired a pistol into the air, Bryant said.

Later, an informant told authorities a person fitting the description of one of the robbers had run into a mobile home on Myrtle Street, Bryant said. That man turned out to be Cotton, who deputies then took into custody for questioning, Bryant said.

Anyone with additional information about the robbery is asked to call the sheriff’s office at (843) 398-4501 or Crime Stoppers of the Pee Dee at (888) CRIME SC (274-6372). Callers need not reveal their identities.

Meanwhile, Hartsville police are looking for the person who robbed Hudson’s Quick Mart, also on South Fifth Street, over the weekend.

A man armed with a pistol entered the store at about 3 a.m. Saturday and demanded money, Hartsville Police Chief Tim Kemp said.

The gunman, who left the business with an undisclosed amount of money, was described as a black man wearing a hood with eye holes, Kemp said.

Anyone with additional information about the robbery is asked to call the police department at (843) 383-3013 or Crime Stoppers of the Pee Dee at (888) CRIME SC (274-6372). Callers need not reveal their identities.