Abrams identified as Dollar General theft suspect

By Lanell Downs Smith

The Crenshaw County Sheriff’s Department requested the community’s help in identifying a person of interest in a robbery investigation Friday. Late on Sept. 10, a man turned himself in and investigators have released his identity.

Ja-Rod Abrams, 21, of Luverne was brought to the Crenshaw County jail late Monday night by a family member. After interviewing Abrams, investigators were able to confirm his involvement in the Sept.2 robbery at the Dollar General in Rutledge.

“He was brought to the jail by a family member,” said Chief Deputy Chris Stewart. “He was identified and we interviewed him. After further investigation, the charge is being reduced [robbery in the third degree and fourth degree theft of property] to harassment and theft of property fourth degree. Dollar General will have to swear to the warrants.”

Deputies received a call around 9 p.m. the evening of Monday, Sept. 2, reporting a theft at the Dollar General in Rutledge. Upon arrival, deputies contacted the store’s manager who described an unidentified black male wearing a black hoodie and jeans.

According to Stewart, the Abrams allegedly entered the store, waited in the back for a short period of time before he stole some property and encountered the manager, then fled from the business.

“No injuries occurred,” Stewart said. “The community can know he was identified and there’s no threat.”

The department initially requested the community’s help identifying the suspect. After the robbery, Luverne citizens reported seeing a man fitting the suspect’s description but none were able to identify him prior to Abrams turning himself in.

Stewart said witnesses report seeing a silver sedan leaving the scene, but it was not immediately clear whether the suspect was driving or riding in the vehicle.

At press time, Abrams remained a person of interest while the Sheriff’s department continued the investigation. Final details include confirming whether the victim, Dollar General Corporation will move forward to press charges.

“Abrams is our only person of interest,” Stewart said. “We were able to get him identified and there’s no threat of public safety by him.”

Anyone with information regarding the robbery suspect should call the Crenshaw County Sheriff’s Office at (334) 335-4850.