A Columbia convenience store was robbed early Friday morning, and within minutes, police had a suspect in custody.
Scott Stephen Hooten, 41, of Walnut Street, Columbia, was charged with robbery and resisting arrest.
Police were dispatched to Turkey Hill Minit Market, 342 Chestnut St., at about 3:30 a.m. Friday for a reported armed robbery.
A clerk told police that a robber came into the store, pointing a gun and demanding money.
After handing over cash, police said, the robber fled on foot, and the clerk called police.
Police described the suspect as a heavy-set black male wearing a white T-shirt and blue jean shorts.
Columbia police Officer Brent Keyser spotted someone matching the description walking along Avenue H, approximately two blocks from the convenience store.
Police said the man wouldn't stop or show his hands and took off running.
After a brief foot pursuit, Keyser and Officer Matt Leddy took the man into custody without further incident.
According to court documents, Hooten had two replica revolvers and $174 in one dollar and five dollar bills in his possession.
Hooten complained of breathing problems and was taken by ambulance to Lancaster General Hospital.
After he was cleared by doctors, police took him for arraignment before District Judge Robert Herman.
Hooten was committed to county prison in lieu of $75,000 bail.
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