Police Arrest Suspect In Restaurant Robbery, Attempted Bank Robbery

** UPDATE 8/27/09 3:40 **
The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office says three people have been charged with accessory after the fact of a felony in the Brandon Martin case.

Investigators say Kayla Lovingood and Neely Foster gave Martin a ride out of the area even though they knew police were looking for him.
They say Christopher Price provided false information on Martin's whereabouts.

Deputies have arrested Brandon Lee Martin near his home in Cherokee County.

They say Martin robbed a restaurant after trying to rob a Gaffney bank Wednesday morning.

Police say this morning, Martin walked into First Piedmont Savings and Loan, pulled out a b.b. pistol, and demanded money. But when the bank manager pulled out a real gun, the robber ran. Police say moments later, he showed up at Norma's Truck Stop on Wilcox Avenue, just off I-85.

The cashier at Norma's tells us the robber was wearing an orange ski mask and pulled up his shirt to reveal a gun stuck in his waistband. She says he threw a bag onto the counter and told her to put money it. She emptied the cash register and placed the money in the bag and the robber took off.

Martin was arrested hours later in the area near his home. Cherokee County has charged him with armed robbery.
The city of Gaffney charged him with entering a bank with intent to rob and other charges are likely, according to Chief Rick Turner.

**Wednesday 11:29am Update**

Brandon Lee Martin

Authorities have identified the suspect in the robberies Wednesday morning.

Officers are trying to find Brandon Lee Martin, 23, of Gaffney. He is described as a white man, 6'3", 215 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

Martin was last seen wearing a camouflage jacket and gray t-shirt. This subject is considered armed and dangerous according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

Martin is believed to be driving a red or burgundy Dodge Ram.

Authorities do not have an active search for him at the moment and say he could really be anywhere.

If you see or have seen this individual please notify deputies at (864) 489-4722.

Brandon Lee Martin
Photo courtesy: Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office

Officers from the Gaffney Police Department and Cherokee County Sheriff's Office are searching for a suspect who they say tried to rob a bank and a truck stop Wednesday morning.

Dispatchers tell News Channel 7 that a suspect walked into the First Piedmont Savings and Loan at 1229 W. Floyd Baker Boulevard just after 9:00 a.m. and presented a gun.

Authorities say the man has also robbed Norma’s Truck Stop at 1107 Wilcox Avenue. There was a chase after what was believed to be a gray Mitsubishi Gallant. The car crashed at 250 Norman Boulevard and the suspect jumped out of the vehicle.

Air 7 video showed officers around an abandoned car and a search appears to be concentrating on a wooded area.

Stay tuned to News Channel 7 at noon and WSPA.com for the latest on this developing story.

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