LAKE CITY, Fla. — After a week-long search, officers with the Lake City Police Department have arrested a man accused of robbing a Dollar General store while armed with a handgun.
Police identified the suspect as Aljowan Jones of Lake City. He was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and petit theft, according to department officials.
Officers initially responded to the Dollar General located on Northeast Bascom Norris Drive on Dec. 2 at approximately 6:30 p.m. A store employee reported that Jones walked out of the store with alcohol without paying. When the employee followed Jones outside and confronted him, Jones allegedly lifted his shirt to reveal a handgun tucked into his waistband and threatened to kill the employee.
Later that evening, officers searched the Cedar Park Apartments, where Jones was believed to reside, but were unable to locate him at that time.
Following continued investigative efforts, Jones was found and arrested approximately one week later.
Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler praised the efforts of law enforcement involved in the case. He credited the persistence of detectives and the assistance of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in helping locate and safely apprehend the suspect.
Officials said the arrest highlights the importance of interagency cooperation in ensuring public safety.
