Deputies: Clerk with Sword Stops Robbery Suspect

Sharranda Neal James Gilbert Created: 1/18/2011 12:10:57 PM

Richland County, SC (WLTX) -- Sheriff's deputies say they have arrested a serial armed robbery suspect, connecting him to 14 robberies in Northeast Columbia. And it's all thanks to a concerned citizen, they say.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott made the announcement during a Tuesday news conference at department headquarters along Two Notch Road. Brad Grayland Vinson, 52, is charged with 12 counts of armed robbery.

Lott says his investigators have connected Vinson to at least 14 robberies that have happened since the start of the year. In each incident, Lott says Vinson walked into the location and demanded money at gunpoint. The incidents happened at locations along Two Notch Road, Clemson Road, Hardscrabble Road, Decker Boulevard and Parklane Road starting Jan. 5, Lott said.

Authorities say they arrested Vinson after he tried to rob a convenience store along Parklane Road. 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 employee that helped to bring Vinson to justice.

Vinson is detained at the Richland County jail, awaiting a bond hearing.