ALABAMA — A Columbus woman with multiple outstanding felony warrants was arrested Friday after authorities say she robbed a Dollar General store at gunpoint in Smiths Station.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a reported armed robbery at the Dollar General on Lee Road 246 at approximately 1:12 p.m. CDT.
Witnesses told investigators that a woman entered the store, displayed a silver revolver-style handgun and stole about $300 from the cash register. After leaving the store, witnesses said the suspect ran into nearby bushes, changed clothes and then entered a pink and white taxi that left the area heading toward Phenix City.
Deputies located the taxi minutes later on Lee Road 246 near Lee Road 226 and conducted a traffic stop. Authorities said they observed U.S. currency and a silver-colored handgun in plain view inside the vehicle. Investigators also recovered clothing discarded in the bushes near the store.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Shwanda Kelly of Columbus, was taken into custody. A male subject was also detained for questioning.
During the investigation, authorities discovered Kelly had six outstanding felony warrants through the Columbus Police Department, including charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, armed robbery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Kelly has been charged by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office with first-degree robbery. She is being held without bond at the Lee County Detention Center pending an Aniah’s Law hearing. Authorities said additional charges are expected.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-7867.
