Gilbert teen now charged with armed robbery; accomplice sought

Lexington, SC – Chief Terrence Green is announced Wednesday the arrest of Cooper Joseph Cole, age 17 of Lexington, South Carolina, for his involvement in an attempted armed robbery that took place outside of the Sharkey’s Cuts For Kids and the Food Lion, which is located at 918 North Lake Drive in Lexington, South Carolina.

On Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at approximately 2:50 p.m., Cooper Cole approached an elderly female victim in the parking lot with a knife in his hand and demanded money. The victim did not have any money to give and Cooper Cole fled from the scene on foot.

During the course of the investigation it was found the Cooper Cole was assisted in this incident by an accomplice who was his step-father, Jesse Wayne Richards, age 31 of Lexington, South Carolina. Jesse Richards is believed to have been involved in the planning of the armed robbery attempt and drove Cooper Cole to and from the incident location.

Cooper Cole has been arrested and charged with Attempted Armed Robbery and Conspiracy. He was transported to the Lexington County Detention Center where he received a bond of $3,000.00.

Jesse Richards has warrants for his arrest for Attempted Armed Robbery and Conspiracy and investigators continue to search for him.

Those with information on the whereabouts of Jesse Richards are asked to contact Detective Heath at 803-951-4642 or contact Midlands Crimestoppers in the following ways:

CALL – 1-888-CRIME-SC.

WEBSITE - www.midlandscrimestoppers.com. Click on the "Submit a Tip” tab.

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