SO arrests robbery suspect thanks to citizen tip

MADISON COUNTY – A citizen tip led to the arrest of a man suspected of multiple robberies of local businesses in Huntsville and Madison County. Victor Lamont Harris, 54 years old from Madison County, was taken into custody Sunday night after a pursuit that started in the New Market area. He is charged with Robbery 1st degree.

Madison County Sheriff’s Office investigators have been working on multiple recent robberies of businesses in and around the Capshaw Road area. The Sheriff’s Office said they received a call Sunday afternoon from a citizen who had seen Harris’ photo on a recent social media post by the agency where the public was asked to help identify the suspect. Deputies responded to a location in New Market where the citizen said they saw the suspect possibly trying to dispose of evidence.

Sheriff Department officials said while patrol deputies and investigators were on the scene Harris drove by their location. The deputies on the scene recognized him as the suspect and attempted to stop him in the black Kia Elantra he was driving. Harris refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit lasted for several minutes stretching from New Market to the area of Meridian Street and Hollow Road. Officers said the pursuit ended when Harris jumped from his still-moving vehicle. He was taken into custody without further incident.

During the pursuit, Harris was reportedly seen throwing items from his car. As a result, Madison County Sheriff’s Office K9 Pedro and his handler responded and conducted an article search and were able to find a handgun that Harris threw from the car.

Harris is charged with Robbery 1st degree, but additional charges are expected.

“This is a perfect example of the community and law enforcement working together to take a dangerous criminal off our streets,” Sheriff Turner said. “A citizen working off a social media post by our agency called 911, Deputies and Investigators responded and worked together, and then assistance from officers with Huntsville Police during the pursuit, is proof that community policing and multi-agency interaction works”.