TUPELO – A Corinth man has been charged in connection with an alleged armed robbery at the Mall at Barnes Crossing after an incident inside The Children’s Place on November 30.
According to Tupelo Police, officers were called to 1001 Barnes Crossing after an employee reported that a man approached her and stated, “This is an armed robbery, don’t move.” Investigators say the suspect did not display a weapon but kept his hands in his pockets, prompting the employee to alert her manager. Mall Security was quickly notified and located the suspect.
Authorities say the man, identified as Lewis J. Dillard, 31, of Corinth, was uncooperative with mall security and attempted to leave the area. Officers arrived minutes later and detained Dillard in the parking lot on misdemeanor charges.
Following further investigation, police upgraded the charges, and on December 2, Dillard was formally charged with one count of Armed Robbery. Tupelo Municipal Court Judge Weir set his bond at $30,000.
The case will be presented to the Lee County Grand Jury for review.
