Family tip leads to armed robber’s arrest

The Demopolis Police Department’s search for a man wanted on three counts of armed robbery came to a close Thursday night.

After launching a six-hour search Thursday near Forkland that included the assistance of the Greene County Sheriff’s Department, Alabama State Troopers, the 17th Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s office, the Alabama Beverage Control Board, the Eutaw Police Department and air support from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, the DPD was unable to apprehend Akeem Benison. The DPD issued a public notice early Thursday evening, later bringing Benison into at approximately 10 p.m.

Demopolis Police Department Chief Tommie Reese noted that the tip which led to Benison’s capture came from the suspect’s family at approximately 9:40 p.m. Thursday. The pivotal tip came when Benison’s family members contacted Reese at his home.

Benison is alleged to have robbed the BP Station, also known as the Diamond Gas Station, on U.S. Highway 80 East in Demopolis Wednesday night. Authorities believe the incident marked the seventh time Benison has robbed the establishment, with other such incidents occurring Sept. 17 and occurring Nov. 9.

Benison, who revealed to authorities that he would flee to Greene County after each robbery, is charged with seven counts of Armed Robbery First Degree.

Reese expressed his appreciation for all agencies and parties involved in Benison’s apprehension.

Continue to follow WestAlabamaWatchman.com for further details as they become available.