Reports state Police arrest man in connection with string of robberies

DARION GIST

"Authorities with the Criminal Investigations Division of the Winston-Salem Police Department have made an arrest in a series of robberies that occurred on July 28^th and July 29^th.   At approximately 6:00 p.m. on July 28, 2014, two suspects entered the Tobacco Shop and Cigars store located at 1159 Silas Creek Parkway and confronted the clerk, Mr. Mohamed A. Abdulla.  One of the suspects produced what appeared to be a large handgun and threatened Mr. Abdulla while the second suspect monitored the entrance to the business.  A struggle ensued between Mr. Abdulla and the armed suspect, during which Mr. Abdulla was able to gain control of the weapon.  The suspects fled the store on foot and obtained no property.  Further examination of the handgun revealed that the weapon was actually an Airsoft Pistol designed to replicate a handgun in appearance.  Mr. Abdulla was not injured during this incident. 

At approximately 10:30 p.m. on the same evening Mr. Tommy Taylor was conducting a transaction at a Wells Fargo ATM located at 740 Coliseum Drive, when he was approached by a suspect who displayed a handgun.  The suspect confronted Mr. Taylor and struck him with the firearm before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of currency and personal property belonging to Mr. Taylor.  Mr. Taylor received minor injuries during the incident.

Shortly after 9:00 p.m. on July 29^th, Mr. Robert Sneden was attempting a transaction at the same Wells Fargo ATM when he was approached by two suspects. One suspect pointed a handgun at Mr. Sneden and demanded money.  Both subjects fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of currency and personal property belonging to Mr. Sneden. 

As a result of further investigation into these incidents, authorities have charged Darion Darell Gist with participating in all three crimes.  In regards to the attempted robbery of the Tobacco Shop and Cigar store, Darion Gist has been charged with Attempted Common Law Robbery.  In regards to the robbery of Tommy Lee Taylor, Darion Gist has been charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon.  In regards to the robbery of Robert Chandler Sneden, Mr. Gist is charged with Common Law Robbery.

Darion Darell Gist, 24, is being held in the Forsyth County Detention Center under a $50,000.00 secured bond and a court date of August 21, 2014 has been set in this matter.  The investigation of these incidents and attempts to identify the second suspect in these matters continues by authorities. Anyone with information is asked to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700 or CrimeStoppers at 336-727-2800."

Gist resides at 2029 Thurmond Street Winston-Salem, NC 

 

Complainant/Victim/Age/Sex:  Mohammed Ali Abdulla 23 / MTommy Lee Taylor 49 / M Robert Chandler Sneden 44 / M

Address: 2808-D Teakwood Ct. 811 Gray Avenue 1806 Sussex Lane

Location of Offense: 1159 Silas Creek Parkway   740 Coliseum Drive 740 Coliseum Drive

A Police Report