On Tuesday, 7/20/10, at approximately 11:00 p.m., a Starke resident was arrested by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office for attempting to rob the S & S store at Baya Ave and Country Club Rd.
The suspect entered the store and approached the clerk. The man displayed a handgun and told the clerk to give him the money from the cash register. The clerk immediately activated store security measures and the suspect tried to flee. The suspect was able to make his way through the locked front doors and attempted to run away from the business.
Three citizens heard the commotion and saw the suspect trying to run away. The citizens gave chase and were able to tackle the suspect behind the business. One of the citizens was able to pin the man on the ground until CCSO Deputies could arrive. Deputy Jesse Cieslik was the first Deputy on scene and made contact with the group behind the store. A small caliber handgun was recovered and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.
The intervention by the concerned citizens brought this case to a successful and swift closure. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office applauds their efforts but cautions citizens to assess each situation before putting themselves at potential risk. While our community involvement is paramount to helping law enforcement in fighting crime, we do not want to see a citizen harmed or injured in the process. It is best to be overly cautious and following or observing a criminal suspect may be the safest course of action.
Mr. Crew was transported to and booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility without incident. He is being held without bond pending first appearance.
Arrested:
[lightbox href=”https://columbiasheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Chris-Crew.jpg”] [image src=”https://columbiasheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Chris-Crew.jpg” height=150 width=150] [/lightbox]
Chris Wood Crew, 7/22/1960
3708 NW County Road 233, Starke, FL
Charges: Robbery with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
