Crime Spree Stopped at Sword-point

An unidentified convenience store worker brings to an end the crime spree of one Brad Grayland Vinson. On January 13th, 2011, Vinson, who is suspected of committing 12 other burglaries over seven days, walked into the Shell Station on Parklane Road in Columbia, SC at around 4:40 AM. He demanded cash from the clerk and indicated he had a gun in his pocket. The professional criminal began to walk around the counter when the clerk brought out a samurai sword. The worker then chased Vinson from the store and began striking him with the sword in an attempt to keep him subdued until police arrived. Vinson was able to flee, but not before sustaining injuries. As he fled down Springtree Drive, Vinson ran into a Richland County Deputy on patrol and ran into the trees to avoid capture. With the help of K-9 units, the suspect was apprehended.

Sheriff Leon Lott called the employee of the store a "concerned citizen" whose "courageous act" helped bring Vinson to justice.

Lott said that Vinson would be charged with 11 counts of robbery and one count of kidnapping. He also said that the investigation was ongoing and " as additional details are gathered investigators will determine if Vinson will be facing additional charges."

The suspect was treated and released from a local hospital and is now at the Richland County jail. Bond was denied.

Sources

Rcihland County Sheriff's Department
http://www.rcsd.net/media/jan11/1-18-robber.html