ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A 16-year-old is in police custody after an armed robbery outside a Family Dollar store on West Gordon Avenue, Albany Police said.

Investigators said the incident happened around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2, when a teenager stopped a woman in the store’s parking lot and took her purse. Officers reportedly saw the suspect drop the purse while fleeing. He was later found and arrested.

Police returned the purse to the victim, who said approximately $100 had been taken from it.

Chief responds to juvenile crime

Albany Police Chief Michael Persley said the arrest was a disappointing reminder of youth involvement in crime.

“It’s sad. I mean, that’s the sad reality that, regardless of the age, some people will feel that they have to go and take from somebody else who has worked hard to get what they have,” Persley said.

The 16-year-old was charged with armed robbery.

Fourth of July celebration draws praise

Despite the incident over the holiday weekend, Persley said he was generally pleased with how the community observed the Fourth of July.

“It was a great event. And aside from the heat, there were no incidents or injuries reported to us that occurred. I’m very proud of men and women who made this event happen and thankful for the community partners and their support,” Persley said.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook, Instagram and X. For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app and add WALB as a preferred source on Google.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.