By Rita Howell

Batesville police last Thursday had in custody within hours a suspect in an armed robbery at the Check Advance store in Eaglecrest Shopping Center.

Lionell Washington of 610 W. Magnolia St., Charleston, was arrested Thursday afternoon in Charleston.

Police Chief Tony Jones said the Check Advance employee who was robbed was able to supply police with information which led to Washington’s arrest.

Washington, who has a prior criminal record, allegedly came in the store Thursday morning in an attempt to take out a loan. When he did not qualify, he displayed a pistol and demanded money.

He fled on foot with approximately $600.

“The lady at the store was very helpful,” Jones said.

Employees at Check Advance declined to comment to The Panolian on the robbery, citing instructions from their corporate office.

Jones said Tallahatchie County Sheriff William Brewer apprehended Washington and recovered the weapon and the money. He was transported to the Panola County Jail where he remains under a $250,000 bond on a charge of armed robbery.

Washington awaits a preliminary hearing in Batesville Municipal Court.