Robbery Suspect Nabbed In Minutes
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Willie Steve Hervey was arrested and charged with armed robbery.
WATER VALLEY – The lone suspect in an armed robbery at Dollar General on Central Street in Water Valley Saturday afternoon was nabbed by authorities within 20 minutes of fleeing the store on foot. Water Valley Police Chief Jason Mangrum reported Willie Steve Hervey, 63, was arrested on Calhoun Street by a Yalobusha County deputy assisting in the investigation.
Mangrum reported Hervey allegedly entered the store and demanded money from the clerk. He then went around behind the counter and allegedly pointed a pistol as he grabbed cash from the register. The chief reported $508 was missing from the cash register and a small amount of cash was recovered on the ground behind the store.
“We are still investigating and searching areas between the store and where he was apprehended looking for evidence,” Mangrum told the Herald Monday. “We are also gathering video footage from other places in the area.
Mangrum said officers received the call about the robbery at 5:22 p.m. Saturday and were on the scene within two minutes. Multiple customers inside the store witnessed the crime and were able to help provide an accurate description of the suspect including the clothing he was wearing, input that helped with the quick arrest. The chief said reports from people at the store indicated Hervey fled on foot and the search by authorities started with streets in the vicinity of the robbery.
He also said deputies were in the Water Valley area and immediately responded to assist when the robbery call was dispatched.
“The deputy was able to detain him based on the clothing description,” Mangrum explained. “We would not have been able to have the suspect in custody in less than 20 minutes without the assistance from the sheriff’s department.”
Hervey was charged with armed robbery, and additional charges are expected including felon in possession of a weapon.
“We are working to get the paperwork from a conviction in Louisiana for a felony drug charge,” Mangrum said. “We have to get that paperwork out of Louisiana.”
Mangrum said Hervey also has prior misdemeanor arrests in the city for minor offenses including simple assault, disorderly conduct and violation of a
city ordinance.
“Deputies continued to assist with this investigation for several hours after the arrest until they had to leave to respond to calls in the county. They were a huge help,” Mangrum added.
Municipal Judge Trent Howell set Hervey’s bond at $250,000 during a hearing Monday. Hervey remains incarcerated in the Yalobusha County Detention Center.
In other law enforcement news, Mangrum reported Robert Cloud, Jr. was arrested for DUI, first offense on Nov. 8. The chief reported Cloud allegedly ran a red light and almost hit a patrol car.
“The officer stopped the motorist and smelled the odor of an intoxicating beverage. He launched a DUI investigation that led to this arrest,” Mangrum said.
