Guntersville, Alabama — Law enforcement officials have detained two individuals in connection with an attempted armed robbery at a jewelry store in Alabama, following an extensive standoff.
The suspects are also under suspicion for allegedly kidnapping two women prior to the robbery.
According to a statement from the Guntersville Police Department, authorities were summoned to Griffins Jewelers of Guntersville at 10:23 a.m. on March 28 in response to an armed robbery alert.
Reports indicate that three armed individuals entered the store, endeavoring to carry out a robbery. However, their efforts were met with resistance when the store manager discharged a firearm, prompting the assailants to hastily vacate the premises.
Witnesses informed law enforcement that the suspects fled the scene in a white van, heading southbound on U.S. Highway 431.
Shortly following the failed robbery, the police department received an apparently unrelated report concerning the disappearance of two women, who were believed to be located at a nearby Lowe’s.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers spotted the vehicle linked to the jewelry store robbery in the Lowe’s parking area. Subsequently, the two missing women, Alma Nestor and Rosaneli Castro from Brighton, Alabama, were discovered inside.
Per a local news report, the women, who vend water and food along the Bessemer Super Highway during the early hours, were allegedly approached by two men at approximately 5:30 a.m. The men forcibly entered the van, commandeering it along with the women. Surveillance footage captured the abduction and carjacking.
Authorities stated that the victims were unfamiliar with their abductors and subsequently alerted their family members, who promptly notified law enforcement.
Fortunately, the women were found unharmed in the parking lot following the attempted robbery.
The suspected perpetrators were identified as Jonathan Banks of Guntersville and Andre Burgin of Midfield, Alabama, according to Guntersville police.
Regarding the third suspect’s status, inquiries to Guntersville police went unanswered.
Subsequently, on March 29, warrants were issued for the arrest of the two men in connection with the jewelry store robbery.
Seeking assistance, Guntersville police reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Birmingham Division, suspecting the individuals to be in the Birmingham area.
Following a standoff, the suspects were located barricaded within the attic of a local residence, eventually being apprehended by tactical teams and handed over to Guntersville police.
Both individuals were remanded into custody at the Marshall County Jail on felony charges.
Acknowledging the collaborative effort, Guntersville police highlighted the involvement of various law enforcement agencies in the investigation and apprehension process.
As investigations persist, updates will be provided as available.
