By John Howell Sr.
and Jason Mattox

Batesville police have charged Thomas Clifton Karmel, 24, of Senatobia with the June 5 armed robbery at Shell Gas Garden.

Officers arrested Karmel around 8:45 a.m. Friday after a tip from a concerned citizen, Batesville Police Department Detective Captain Paul Shivers said.

Shivers said Karmel entered the gas/convenience store about 5 a.m with a black handgun and clothing pulled over his face. He was seen leaving on foot.

Police established and maintained a perimeter around the area for about three and one half hours and then continued to patrol the area. That’s when a caller reported a man of similar description in the area of Maple Lane. Officers stopped the man along Woodland Drive near Maple Lane and Quail Run.

He was taken into custody and placed into the Panola County Jail about 11:45 a.m. He is being held in lieu of bond.