CARNESVILLE — The men responsible for an armed robbery and shooting in Franklin County last month may be among those who committed similar acts in South Carolina the day prior.
Two armed men robbed Flying J Travel Plaza at 10226 Old Federal Road (Ga. 51), Carnesville, about 3 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. The store/truck stop is located at Exit 160 off Interstate 85.
During the Flying J armed robbery in Franklin County, a customer was shot at close range in the upper chest. That individual was treated by Franklin County Emergency Medical Services, then transported to an Athens hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.
Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas said Saturday night West Columbia Police Department in South Carolina is investigating a robbery at an eatery in its jurisdiction.
On Sept. 21, the Waffle House on Augusta Road in West Columbia, S.C., was robbed and the two men were believed to be involved, according to West Columbia P.D. As in Franklin County, the men are believed to be occupying a tan 2007-2014 Chevrolet Suburban.
West Columbia P.D. obtained images of the suspects and vehicle there, and Thomas is hopeful someone will be able to identify them.
Additionally, a convenience store in Richland County, S.C., was robbed by four individuals, including the two believed to be responsible for the Flying J and Waffle House robberies, and surveillance video shows the same vehicle. In that robbery, a shot was fired into the ceiling of the store.
“At the present time, no I.D. or locations are known,” Thomas said. “We believe the suspects in the Franklin County case committed armed robbery offenses in South Carolina a day prior. We need the public’s help identifying these two criminals. They were on Live PD tonight.”
Anyone with information about the two men or their location is asked to contact their local 9-1-1, or to call the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 384-2525.
