ATTALLA, Ala. — A Munford man with an extensive criminal history was arrested following an armed robbery at a local convenience store in Attalla on August 20.
According to the Attalla Police Department, the suspect, identified as Joseph Lee Rainey, 34, entered the store armed with a handgun and told the cashier, “I hate to do this, but you’re getting robbed.” The cashier complied, handing over an undisclosed amount of cash before the suspect fled.
Law enforcement quickly shared descriptions of the suspect and his vehicle with nearby agencies. Although officers located the vehicle, it was being driven by someone else and Rainey was not inside at that time.
Investigators identified Rainey as the suspect, who had been visiting a friend in the area. He also had multiple outstanding felony warrants and a lengthy criminal record.
Rainey was later apprehended after a vehicle pursuit involving the Oxford Police Department, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service. He is now held in Calhoun County Jail on theft charges.
Attalla Police charged Rainey with Robbery 1st Degree and Theft of Property 4th Degree. He is currently being held without bond.
Attalla Police Chief Doug Jordan thanked the Etowah County Joint Special Operations Group, Gadsden Police Department, Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, Oxford Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance in the arrest.
