Magee police officers responded to a disturbance and a possible armed robbery early Sunday morning at the former CEFCO store in Magee, leading to the arrest of a local man after a coordinated law enforcement search.
According to the Magee Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 12:39 a.m. Upon arrival, officers learned that a white male, later identified as Joshua Shane Carrell, had been involved in a dispute inside the store and was actively pursuing two white females. The two women were able to protect themselves by locking themselves inside the store’s restroom.
During the incident, Carrell allegedly produced a knife and made verbal threats to retrieve a firearm. A witness reported that the suspect stated that the store was being robbed. Shortly afterward, the suspect fled the scene on foot toward a wooded area behind the Quality Inn.
Magee police officers, assisted by the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office, quickly responded and established a secure perimeter around the area. Officers maintained the scene until the arrival of one of Magee’s K-9 units. K-9 Officer Brita and her handler were deployed and quickly picked up the suspect’s scent, leading officers to his location in a wooded area nearby.
After officers issued clear verbal commands, the suspect surrendered without further incident. He was taken into custody safely and transported to the Magee Jail, where he was processed.
Chief Denis J. Borges praised the calm actions of the CEFCO clerk and the coordinated response of all agencies involved, noting that the situation could have ended much differently. Special recognition was given to K-9 Brita, her handler, and the assisting officers for their professionalism and teamwork in securing the area and apprehending the suspect.
