Police arrest 22-year-old for allegedly robbing south Columbia restaurant at gunpoint
UPDATE 8:24am: Columbia police confirm they arrested 22-year-old Kevin Strong for allegedly robbing Pickleman’s at gunpoint this morning.
They say two employees were working early Friday morning when Strong came in wearing eyeglasses, a black hooded sweatshirt, and grey sweatpants. Strong allegedly put a black bag on the counter and demanded money.
The employees say the suspect pulled what they believed to be a black handgun and pointed it at one of the employees. Police say the employee then put money in the black bag and the say the suspect took off running southbound from the business.
Officers say a K9 unit helped them find a man matching the suspect’s description just after 2:00 a.m. in the 2900 block of Old 63. During the K9 track, officers say they found a black hooded sweatshirt, a pair of fleece gloves, and an airsoft pistol.
Officers say they found the money stolen from Pickleman’s in Strong’s backpack as well as a receipt where Strong purchased the airsoft pistol at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Police arrested Strong on suspicion of robbery and armed criminal action. Jail records show he’ll make an appearance in court at 1:30 Monday afternoon.
ORIGINAL: ABC 17 News is working to find out why several officers responded to a south Columbia restaurant.
Several police vehicles were seen at the Pickleman’s on Old 63 south just after 2:00 Friday morning.
ABC 17 News had heard reports of a robbery in the area, but police have not yet confirmed that.
Our crews are on the scene working to gather more details about what happened, if anything was taken and if anyone was arrested. We’ll update this story as we learn more.
