An armed duo of robbers who target truckers in disadvantaged positions have successfully victimized three drivers as of Thursday the 19th. Two of the incidents were in Mobile, and the latest marks the first robbery incident of the year for Chickasaw, Alabama. Police describe the men as “armed and extremely dangerous” as one of them is very prone to violence, even during cooperation.
Sgt. Brad Penton of Chickasaw police said the most recent incident happened around 4 a.m. about a mile from the police station. Penton said a truck driver arrived at Southern Ionics on Viaduct Road to pick up chemicals. Police said that’s when a red Cadillac pulled up alongside the rig.
“The driver of the Cadillac asked the truck driver, the victim, if he knew how to get back to Bay Minette,” Penton said.
While the trucker was trying to help the driver, the man got out of his car and pulled a shotgun on the trucker and demanded his wallet. As the driver was cooperating Penton said the passenger in the Cadillac was yelling ‘shoot him’.
“Thank God the suspect did not shoot the victim, but he was encouraging him to do that,” Penton said.
A few minutes before the robbery, police said the driver had made a fuel stop then became suspicious that he was being followed by the duo, but did not call it in because he wasn’t 100% sure.
“He had seen them for some time behind him, and he actually thought that they might be following him, but he was not sure,” Penton said.
Chickasaw police discovered investigators in Mobile are working similar overnight robberies. They said first one happened at 2:15 a.m. at the Checkers on St. Stephens Road and the second just minutes later at the Walmart on the I-65 Service Road.
Police said suspects in both cases were driving a red Cadillac. Police encourage anyone who spots suspicious activity involving this type of car with two men near any truck stop or Wal-Mart to call (251) 452-0571. Your tips may be registered anonymously if you wish. Watch the video report here.
Stay safe out there truckers!