CLAYTON – Clayton Police have arrested two suspects they say robbed the Verizon store at 13024 US Highway 70 Business West.
Police Chief Greg Tart said the robbery was reported at 7:56pm Tuesday. Upon arrival, officers learned two sususpects entered the store and forced the clerk to open a safe containing several electronic devices. The suspects removed the items and fled the store.
Investigators were later able to identify the suspects as Paul Zackary Odom, age 32, of Axis Deer Lane, Garner, NC and Thomas Howard Powell, age 31, of Atlas Drive, Charlotte, NC.
Clayton Police, with assistance from Garner Police, executed a search warrant at 134 Axis Deer Lane, Garner. Approximately 68 phones, tablets, and other electronic items were seized as well as several firearms. One of the firearms had previously been reported stolen in Concord, NC, Chief Tart said.
During the robbery, a weapon was implied, but the Verizon employee never saw it. Investigators did recover a Glock handgun from a vehicle they believe the suspects used during the robbery.
Powell and Odom were arrested and charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. They were placed in the Johnston County jail under a $200,000 secured bond each.
