This is an ongoing story. The Plainsman will update as further information is released.
Shwanda Perrie Kelly, 44, of Columbus, Georgia, was arrested today after an armed robbery on Friday at a discount store in Smiths Station, Alabama.
According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Kelley is suspected of robbing $300 from a Dollar General and attempting to flee in a pink-and-white taxi. Police also detained another man for questioning.
At approximately 1:12 p.m. CDT, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call for an armed robbery at the Dollar General located on Lee Road 246 in Smiths Station, Alabama. Witnesses claimed that a female suspect held a silver revolver-type handgun, while she stole money from the cash register. After exiting the store to change clothes in a nearby bush, she reportedly fled the scene on foot and entered a pink-and-white taxi farther down the road, which then traveled toward Phenix City, Alabama, per the Lee County Sheriff's department media release.
Within minutes, deputies with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle on Lee Road 246 and conducted a traffic stop. Officers observed cash and a silver handgun inside the vehicle, and investigators recovered the discarded clothing in the bushes, as described by witnesses at the Dollar General.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office charged Kelly with robbery in the first degree. Kelly is being held in the Lee County Detention Center without bond, awaiting an Aniah’s Law Hearing.
Investigators found that Kelly has six outstanding felony warrants with the Columbus Police Department, including: two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of armed robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm during a felony. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office believes additional charges are expected.
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
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Tripp Hedden, junior in finance and business, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Fall 2025. Hedden previously served as a News Writer and News Reporter. He is currently serving as the Assistant News Editor.
