Men allegedly took from Lyle station

Published 11:14 am Thursday, November 14, 2013

AUSTIN — Four suspects from Austin face felony charges after allegedly robbing a Lyle gas station at gunpoint on Sunday morning.

Vonzell Demond Whitehead

Vonzell Demond Whitehead

Vonzell Demond Whitehead, 28, Tuquan Lee Smith, 24, Keion Cornelius Clay, 22, and Elgin Tyrese Green, 20, were all charged Wednesday in Mower County District Court. Each faces one count of first-degree aggravated robbery.

According to the court files, the men allegedly robbed the Freeborn County Co-Op Oil in Lyle at about 9 a.m. The store clerk said three men entered the store, and one demanded all of the money. Another allegedly followed her to an office and took more money and checks. The clerk locked the doors after the men left in a silver sedan and called 911.

Tuquan Lee Smith

Tuquan Lee Smith

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Sheriff’s deputies responded to the robbery while an Austin police officer set up surveillance just outside of Austin. Court files say that officer later stopped the sedan with the four suspects in Austin. Officers searched the car for the gun for their safety, and according to the court files, found a sweatshirt with a .22-caliber revolver, $353 in cash and eight checks written to the gas station. A search warrant later uncovered dark clothing and hats.

Elgin Tyrese Green

Elgin Tyrese Green

The employee later identified Whitehead and Green as two of the four suspects. Police reviewed video surveillance, which indicates some of the suspects were in the store earlier that morning. The employee also identified a piece of clothing investigators found that may have been tossed from the vehicle.

The complaint alleges Green pointed the gun at the clerk, and Whitehead pocketed money before leaving the store. Witnesses gave matching descriptions of the car the suspects drove, as well.

Keion Cornelius Clay

Keion Cornelius Clay

During interviews, the suspects gave differing accounts. According to the complaint, Whitehead said he had nothing to do with the “actual robbery itself.” Others denied they robbed the store, as well, and said they were in different locations that morning.

All four men have court appearances scheduled for Nov. 21.