Gun-store robbery suspect arrested

A man believed to be connected to two, gun-store robberies in the past week has been arrested after shop employees turned the tables and nearby officers made a quick arrest.

Around 10 a.m., on Monday, April 11, 2022, a man allegedly wearing a balaclava and armed with pepper spray entered a gun store in the 1400 block of 9 Avenue S.E., and told the employee behind the counter he was there to rob them. The employee swiftly grabbed the pepper spray out of the suspect’s hands and discharged it towards him, causing the suspect to flee on foot.

District 1 patrol officers were in the area at the time and were able to quickly locate and arrest the suspect after a short foot pursuit.

It is believed the same individual was arrested on Thursday, April 7, 2022, after committing a robbery at another gun store in the 7100 block of Fisher Road N.E. The suspect was charged and subsequently released by the courts.

In total, Yusuf LELAMO, 19, is facing five charges including robbery, disguise with intent, resisting a peace officer and failure to comply with a release order. He will next appear in court today, Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

Case #20220411