By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
Aug. 20, 2001
Two Meridian men and one juvenile are behind bars this morning, charged with robbing three residents at gunpoint Sunday.
The incident occurred about 10:30 p.m.
Each is charged with three counts of armed robbery: Jonathan Conner, 19, of 3722 19th St.; Ira Campbell, 37, of 3406 20th St.; and David Conner, 17, of 3711 11th St., who is being charged as an adult.
Lt. Wade Johnson of the Meridian Police Department said one of the suspects allegedly approached three people in the parking lot of the Stufflebean Game Room on Highway 80 West, brandishing a gun and demanding money and personal items.
The man then fled the scene on foot. A short time later, a resident reported three men in a suspicious car. Police responded and later spotted the car at the intersection of 35th Avenue and 20th Street, Johnson said.
The car was stopped. One of the suspects ran and was apprehended, Johnson said. Since the victims' personal property and cash were found in the car, all three suspects are being charged, he said.
The men remained in custody this morning at the Lauderdale County Detention Facility. Bond is expected to be set today at an initial court appearance.
Meanwhile, Lauderdale County investigators are trying to determine the details of a late Saturday night or early Sunday morning shooting at the Half Time bar on Highway 80 West.
One Meridian man, Riley Keith Bracken, is charged with aggravated assault in connection with the shooting. The victim, Charles E. Eshee of Little Rock, who was shot in the leg, is charged with DUI, second offense, and indecent exposure.
Investigators were attempting to interview the men today.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for the Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.