Crimesider
Crimesider
January 20, 2011 1:24 PM

Clerk Foils Robbery Attempt with Samurai Sword in SC (VIDEO)

By
Kevin Hayes
Topics
Daily Blotter

Clerk Foils Robbery Attempt with Sword in SC

Surveillance Video (WLTX)

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (CBS/WLTX) Sheriff's deputies in South Carolina say they have arrested a serial armed robbery suspect, connecting him to 14 robberies in the city of Columbia. 

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And it's all thanks to a concerned citizen with a samurai sword.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott made the announcement during a Tuesday news conference, reports CBS affiliate WLTX.

Lott says his investigators have connected Brad Grayland Vinson, 52, to at least 14 robberies committed at gunpoint that have happened since the start of the year.

Authorities say they arrested Vinson after he tried to rob a convenience store on Jan. 13. Vinson is accused of entering the business, indicating that he had a gun and demanding cash from the employee.

Investigators say the clerk pulled out a samurai sword and chased Vinson out of the store into the parking lot. After a scuffle, authorities say the clerk made an attempt to corner Vinson, but the suspect was able to get away.

A K-9 deputy later sniffed out Vinson's location. Authorities say they found him hiding in some bushes at an apartment complex. Lott says it was the courageous act of that store clerk that helped to bring Vinson to justice.

Vinson is detained at the Richland County jail, awaiting a bond hearing. Vinson is charged with 12 counts of armed robbery.

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