Wal-Mart robbery suspects in custody in Tennessee, police make unrelated felony arrests

Investigation continues into the armed robbery of the New Albany Wal-Mart store Tuesday morning.

Police Chief Chris Robertson said warrants have been issued for two suspects but he has been unable to serve them. The suspects apparently are in federal custody in the Memphis area.

They are reportedly also suspects in a string of robberies in the Tennessee area as well as North Mississippi.

A lone black male wearing a hoodie and surgical mask apparently approached a service desk employee, produced a handgun and demanded money at the New Albany store. The suspect left without incident and was said to get in a waiting vehicle.

A description of the vehicle was broadcast and a tip led to officers finding it at a Shell gas station at Holly Springs. Marshall County Sheriff’s Deputies and FBI agents took the two into custody. The money and a weapon were recovered.

They have not been returned to Union County.

Chief Robertson reported two other felony arrests this week.

Drug arrest

Christopher DeCanter

Officers made a traffic stop on Collins Street about 6 p.m. Wednesday and found Christopher DeCanter,  23, of 1301 CR 197 Blue Springs apparently driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Robertson said officers found a meth pipe in DeCanter’s pocket and also found two small plastic bags containing what appeared to be meth. Narcotics officers arrived on the scene and performed field tests to confirm the drug.

DeCanter is charged with driving under the influence first offense, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine.

Outstanding felony suspect apprehended

Ryan Hearn

In the second case, officers were called to 304 Reeves Street about midnight Tuesday for a disturbance. There they found Ryan Hearn, 29, no address given, who was reported to have several outstanding felony warrants.

He was charged with sale of marijuana, sale of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and resisting arrest.