Charges Filed in Walgreens Holdup

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Published on August 8 2024 3:02 pm
Last Updated on August 9 2024 7:28 am
Written by Greg Sapp

(HADLEY MAJORS)

Charges have been filed against Effingham resident Hadley Majors in connection with the alleged holdup of the Effingham Walgreen's store Wednesday evening.

The 36-year-old Majors is alleged to have held up the store just before 6pm and fled with an undetermined amount of money. Majors' vehicle allegedly ran off the road and into a ditch near Outer Belt West and Route 40 at the west edge of Effingham.

Majors fled on foot over the railroad tracks in front of a moving train and ran into the woods. Shortly after, he surrendered to officers and was taken into custody without further incident. Majors was allegedly armed with a knife during the robbery, which was recovered after his arrest.

Majors was taken to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital by officers as a precaution after refusing treatment by Rural Med EMS at the scene; he was cleared medically.

 

Since a relative of Majors works in the Effingham County State's Attorney Office, the Fayette County State's Attorney's Office has been asked to prosecute the case. Fayette County State's Attorney Brenda Mathis has charged Majors with armed rbbery, aggravated battery, possession of controlled substance, and resisting a police officer. Armed robbery is a Class X Felony, meaning mandatory prison time if Majors is convicted of the offense. Mathis said that while Majors was armed, he was not armed with a gun.

Majors is slated to make his initial court appearance on Friday morning. For now, he remains in Effingham County Jail. 

Effingham Police Chief Jason McFarland commended the swift action of all officers and deputies involved, noting, “This incident ended within minutes, with no injuries to any victims, bystanders, or officers, thanks in part to the rapid response of City Officers and County Deputies who immediately remediated the situation by taking the suspect safely into custody. We train together for these situations and as a result this incident was managed both professionally and promptly. ” McFarland went on to praise witnesses for their actions. “Our response was greatly enhanced because of individuals who were willing to observe and relay information immediately to responding officers. This ‘eyes-on, hands-off’ approach these witnesses took is a prime example of our citizens working hand-in-hand with law enforcement to keep our community safe.”