Detectives arrested a robbery suspect late yesterday afternoon following the execution of a search warrant.
On June 12, 2024, shortly after 7:00pm deputies responded to the Dollar General located at 3118 SW Main Blvd. for a report of an armed robbery which had just occurred. Witnesses told deputies that a male wearing a “Santa” t-shirt and a Halloween-style mask entered the store, brandished a firearm, and demanded money. The suspect then fled from the store. When deputies arrived, they established a perimeter and utilized K-9’s to search the area but were unable to locate the suspect.
Detectives began investigating the incident further and interviewed several witnesses. A “Crime Stoppers” tip was received and that information lead detectives to identify Gary Hollie (30), of Lake City as a person of interest. Detectives spoke to Hollie at his residence yesterday and learned that Hollie was currently on probation with conditions of being confined to house arrest. Detectives also observed drug paraphernalia in plain view in Hollie’s yard which Hollie admitted to being his. A search warrant was then obtained and executed. During a search of the property, clothing was located which had been concealed in a burn pit in the backyard. Those items were consistent with what the suspect was wearing during the robbery, which could be identified via surveillance footage. Other clothing items worn by the suspect were located in Hollie’s residence. Hollie was arrested without incident and booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility.
Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “I am proud of our deputies and detectives who worked so hard to resolve this case. I am also proud of the citizen who partnered with us through the Crime Stoppers program. Partnerships between our citizens and law enforcement are vital in keeping our community safe.”
Citizens may report crimes anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Columbia County by dialing (386)754-7099 or submitting a tip online at www.columbiacrimestoppers.net.
