Two Juveniles Arrested for Armed Robbery Incident

An armed robbery in the Watson area has resulted in the arrests of two juveniles. Additional charges are expected as the result of an active investigation conducted by the Effingham County Sheriff's Department.

The sheriff's office received a 911 call just after 7:30pm Monday reporting an armed robbery had occurred in the area of 1100th Avenue and 1200th Street in rural Watson. The sheriff's office began an investigation into the incident and a "Be On the Lookout" was issued for the suspects and their vehicle. The victims of the robbery reported they were flagged down by a stationary vehicle, then the individuals approached the vehicle, demanding cash and other items. The victims fled the scene without further incident. No shots were fired.

Just before 12:30am Tuesday, the sheriff's office was assisting the Effingham Police Department with a fight in progress on Keller Drive. While responding to the area, a vehicle fled the scene and was observed by a sheriff's deputy traveling southbound. The vehicle matched the description of the unit in the earlier reported armed robbery. Sheriff's deputies conducted an investigative stop on the vehicle and located individuals matching the description of the suspects, along with a firearm and metamphetamine inside the vehicle.

One juvenile was arrested on charges of armed robbery, unlawful use of a weapon, and obstructing justice. The second juvenile was arrested on charges of possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful sale or delivery of firearms, and obstructing justice.

Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns praised the actions of all of the officers involved, saying, "This is another great example of how well the city officers and the county deputies work and communicate with one another. Through their actions, two illegally owned firearms were removed from dangerous hands and taken off of our streets."

An investigation into the incident continues. Additional charges are expected of other unnamed individuals. An additional firearm was seized as a result of this investigation. The case is being referred to the Effingham County State's Attorney's Office for prosecution. 

The sheriff's office is prohibited from releasing the names of the juveniles arrested in the incident.