Police look into separate weekend armed robberies

Russellville police have arrested one woman and are still looking for three other suspects involved in two separate armed robberies that took place Friday evening.
Ashley Lynn Thompson, 26, 1305 South Jackson Ave., Russellville, was arrested for first-degree robbery in connection with an event that took place about 8 p.m. at the Greenwood Inn on U.S. 43 in Russellville.
According to Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett, Thompson allegedly went to the motel Friday evening to borrow money from a 27-year-old male acquaintance who was staying there at the time.
Hargett said shortly after Thompson entered the room, she answered a knock at the door and allowed a male suspect to enter the room.
Hargett said Thompson left the room and the suspect, who was carrying a handgun, demanded money from the victim.
“The suspect’s face was covered and he put the gun to the victim’s head and demanded money,” police investigator Lt. Scotty Lowery said.
Lowery said the victim handed over $160 before the suspect finally left the room.
After fleeing from the scene, Hargett said a witness claims to have seen the suspect get into Thompson’s vehicle to leave.
Investigators were able to locate Thompson that same night and arrested her on the robbery charge.
Hargett said Thompson refused to speak to investigators and they are still actively searching for the armed robber.
In a separate incident at about 6:30 that same evening, police responded to a residence on St. Clair Street in Russellville after they received a call that the homeowner had been involved in a home invasion.
Hargett said the male victim was at home alone when he answered a knock at the door.
“The victim said he saw a short man in a toboggan standing in the doorway and then another man burst through the door and they started to attack him,” Hargett said.
Lowery said the victim stated the two men punched and kicked him and eventually found a gun that they allegedly put to the victim’s head and threatened him with.
Lowery said the men stole the victim’s wallet, three guns, cigarettes, a Food Stamp card and two cell phones before they left.
“These are both very scary situations,” Hargett said. “We have a few leads and we are working as fast as we can to catch the persons responsible for these violent crimes so we can get them off our streets.”
Anyone who has any information about either of these crimes is asked to call the RPD at 256-332-2230.