Monday, February 17, 2014
Lawrenceburg Man Charged With Robbing Greenhill Family Dollar, Then Assaulting Clerk, Customer And Loretto Officer
A Lawrenceburg man was jailed in Alabama Sunday after allegedly robbing and assaulting a clerk and customer at a Greenhill retail store, then fleeing across the state line before assaulting a Loretto policeman who was attempting to apprehend him.
Matthew Aaron Ross, age 30, of 8938 Spring Avenue, Lawrenceburg, was jailed at the Lauderdale County, Alabama Detention Center.
A witness reported to authorities that at around 9:30 a.m. a female clerk at Family Dollar on U.S. Highway 43 confronted Ross about stealing a cell phone cover and headphones. He said that Ross then attacked the clerk, knocking her to the floor, and began striking her.
The witness said that an elderly customer entered and attempted to intervene. He said that Ross then pushed the woman, knocking her to the floor, as well. Ross then reportedly grabbed the items and ran outside, then got into the passenger side of a maroon color Honda Civic and left. The vehicle was reportedly being driven by another Lawrenceburg man however authorities believe that he was unaware of Ross’ actions.
Lauderdale County authorities quickly issued a BOLO, alerting law enforcement officials in surrounding areas to keep an eye open for the suspect vehicle.
A Loretto Police officer on patrol noticed a car matching the description given. At the time the vehicle was parked at a convenience store located at the U.S. Highway 43/Commerce Street intersection.
The officer reports that he made contact with the driver. He told the officer that he thought Ross had only gone into the business to use the bathroom.
The officer made contact with Ross when he exited the store. He reports that Ross attacked him, knocking him to the ground and making threats to kill him. He reported that the driver quickly intervened, knocking Ross to the ground.
When Ross was placed into the rear of a patrol car, Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies report that he kicked out a window, causing the door to bow. While trying to move him to another unit, they report that he began kicking one of the deputies, causing an injury to his face and right knee.
The Loretto officer suffered abrasions, cuts to the head and a broken finger. He received medical treatment for the wounds at Crockett Hospital.
The store clerk received medical treatment at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence. The customer who was assaulted did not require medical attention.
Ross was jailed on the Alabama charges, including third-degree robbery, third-degree assault during the commission of a felony, third-degree criminal mischief and menacing. He also faces charges locally of resisting arrest and assaulting police officers.
