An armed robbery suspect proved to be a slippery customer for Atlanta police last month when he was able to maneuver out of his handcuffs and jump out of a cruiser before officers were able to apprehend him again.
Police responded to a call just before 8:30 p.m. Aug. 9 concerning an armed robbery at a convenience store, the department stated in a news release. The victim told officers that a man with a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine confronted him inside the store.
The suspect—later identified as Jaquan Blakeney, 27—allegedly demanded the victim's car keys and then "forcefully snatched" the key's from the victim's hand before fleeing. Security camera footage captured the entire incident.
Over a week later, an officer on patrol was flagged down by someone at the store concerning the robbery suspect. A witness told the officer Aug. 17 that Blakeney had been in the store earlier and was probably still in the area.
A canvas of the vicinity located Blakeney, who initially tried to walk away before the officer was able to take him into custody.
While taking the suspect back to the store, Blakeney was able to slip out of his handcuffs and escape the cruiser. A search located Blakeney again, and he was apprehended again following a brief foot chase.
Blakeney was charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He also had an outstanding warrant out of Calhoun County.
