Athens Al men charged with robbery of EarlyWorks Museum employees and security guard
Huntsville AL Dec 31 2017 Two Athens men have been charged in connection to a robbery that occurred Dec. 20 at Santa’s Village in downtown Huntsville, according to a press release from the Huntsville Police Department.
Police say EarlyWorks Museum employees and a security guard were leaving Santa’s Village at 9:20 p.m. when they were approached by two men. One of them was armed with a handgun, while the other had pepper spray.
One of the men approached the employee who had the night’s cash deposits, while the other suspect sprayed the security guard in the face. The release said the men demanded money from the employees and then fled the area on foot.
Huntsville patrol and K-9 officers responded to the scene but were unable to locate the suspects. Investigators, including lead investigator Greg Hayden of the HPD Violent Crimes Investigative Squad, determined four people were responsible for the crime.
On Thursday, two Athens men — 23-year-old Zachary Wayne Phillips and 43-year-old Russell Lynn Housman — were arrested and charged with first-degree robbery. A third suspect, Michael Coughlin, was also charged with first-degree robbery. A fourth suspect, Ralph Evans Lemay, is currently being sought.
Those with information about the whereabouts of Lemay are urged to call Huntsville police at 256-722-7100.
