Richmond Business Owner Escapes Robbery

– Provided by RPD –

Tuesday obilepolice charged James R. Cornett, aka Robert Cornett, age 33, Spurlin Mobile Home Park, in connection the attempted robbery of a local dry cleaner.

At approximately 6:00 A.M., officers were dispatched to Personal Touch Dry Cleaners, 199 Wayne Drive, in response to a reported attempted robbery. Upon arrival, officers met with the owner of the business who reported that he opened the back door to let some of the heat escape at which time he was confronted by a tall male dressed in all black, with his face covered. The male, armed with a knife and a handgun, entered the business, threatened the owner, and demanded money. However, a noise temporarily distracted the suspect and the owner escaped the building unscathed.  The suspect then fled from the building and into an awaiting vehicle. Nothing of value was taken from the business.

During the course of the follow-up investigation, officers located the vehicle believed to have been used in the suspect’s getaway which led them to Cornett’s residence. A search of Cornett’s residence resulted in the recovery of three firearms, one of which was believed to have been used in the robbery attempt and another that was stolen. Clothing that matched those worn by the robber were also recovered.

Cornett was taken into custody and lodged in the MCDC, charged for the following offenses:

Attempted Robbery 1st Degree
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Receiving Stolen Property – Firearm (0033/436)Tuesday