PARAGOULD, Ark. — A 21-year-old Paragould man is being held on a $250,000 bond following accusations that he pointed a gun at another man’s head and demanded cash, according to a probable cause affidavit.
On Monday, Nov. 2, an alleged armed robbery was reported at the Dollar General located at 200 W. Main St., Greene County authorities said. The victim stated that he and the suspect, identified as Lafayette Ellis, had agreed to meet at the store.
The victim told investigators that when Ellis entered his vehicle, he began discreetly placing cash, which had been visibly exposed, into his pocket. According to Corporal Tron Beesley, Ellis then allegedly pulled out a handgun, pointed it at the victim’s head, and demanded he hand over the money.
A physical struggle reportedly ensued, during which the victim gained control of the weapon and fled the scene to contact authorities.
Detectives reviewed video evidence provided by the victim, which they said supported his account of the incident.
Ellis later spoke to police during a Mirandized interview on Thursday, where he admitted to being present at the time of the events described by the victim. According to the report, Ellis acknowledged possessing a firearm and confirmed that an altercation took place.
Ellis was subsequently arrested and booked into the Greene County Detention Center. He now faces one count of aggravated robbery, classified as a Class Y felony, the most severe category of felony under Arkansas law.
Greene County District Court Judge Curtis Hitt set Ellis’s bond at $250,000, with the added conditions that, if released, Ellis must comply with ankle monitoring restrictions, have no contact with the victim or witnesses, and avoid possessing any weapons. He is also required to live a law-abiding life.
As of now, Ellis remains in custody at the detention facility.