ST. ALBANS — On Jan. 25, at approximately 6:14 p.m., St. Albans Central Dispatch received a report of an attempted armed robbery at the Hampton Inn on Lake Street.
According to the caller, a male suspect threatened guests with a firearm and demanded money.
The suspect fled the scene before police arrived, but the victim provided a description to the officers.
While investigating the incident, a second report came in from Twiggs Bistro on Main St.
The caller described a similar situation with a male suspect threatening patrons and demanding money while implying he had a firearm.
The suspect again fled before police could respond.
Nearly 25 minutes into the search for the suspect, St. Albans police officers located and arrested Peterson Benjamin, 44, of St. Albans City.
Benjamin was apprehended without incident.
At the time of the arrest, he was found to be unarmed.
Benjamin has been charged with four counts of attempted assault and robbery and is currently lodged at the Northwest State Correctional Facility.
His bail has been set at $2,500.
The affidavit will be filed and available at the Franklin County District Court in St. Albans during the arraignment.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about either incident to contact the St. Albans Police Department at 802-524-2166.
