Cortlandville (WSYR-TV) - More than a month after a Kentucky Fried Chicken in the Town of Cortlandville was robbed of over $3,000, a suspect has been arrested. Dennis Alex-Hart, 26, of Cortland, was arrested for the crime at 4:15 Tuesday afternoon.
At 9:00 a.m. on August 20, 2010, Alex-Hart allegedly robbed the KFC at 3890 State Route 281, near SUNY Cortland. A search ensued that lasted well into the afternoon, but no suspects were arrested at that time. All investigators found that day was a bike, which they said was used by the suspect after the robbery.
After the robbery, Cortland County Sheriff's Department released a sketch of the suspect created from witness testimony. It bears significant resemblance to Alex-Hart.
Alex-Hart is charged with robbery and grand larceny, both felonies. He was also charged with unlawful imprisonment, and was arraigned on all three charges Tuesday in Town of Cortlandville Court. He is due to return on September 29.
Because the Sheriff's Department says they found him in possession of marijuana when he was arrested, he will also face the charge of unlawful possession of the drug. Alex-Hart will face that charge in the City of Cortland Court on October 13.
Update: Deputies find bike used during robbery getaway
August 21
Cortland (WSYR-TV) - The Cortland County Sheriff's Department has released a composite drawing of the man employees say robbed a KFC branch near SUNY Cortland Friday morning. A search for the suspect was scaled back after the he evaded capture well into the afternoon.
The suspect is described as a black male, medium build, late 20's to early 30's, wearing dark colored clothing which included a dark colored hooded sweatshirt.
The sheriff’s department has also located a bike, which they say was used by the suspect after the robbery. Investigators say the robber would have been riding the bike near the Groton Avenue or Tops plazas Friday morning.
Any one with information regarding this incident that may have seen a person fitting the above description and that may have been in the area at that time is asked to contact the Cortland County Criminal Investigation Division at 607-753-3311.
Police wrap up manhunt for KFC robbery suspect
Cortland (WSYR-TV) - After spending most of the day Friday searching for a man they believe robbed a Kentucky Fried Chicken location near SUNY Cortland, police are pulling out of the area.
According to the police, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the suspect entered the fast-food restaurant and threatened employees, although no firearm was shown. He then forced people into a walk-in refrigerator before taking off with an undisclosed amount of money.
The Kentucky Fried Chicken branch is located at 3890 State Route 281 near an intersection with Groton Avenue. The store was closed at the time and prior to the robbery, employees inside were preparing to open for the day.
The police used dogs to hunt for the suspect throughout a wooded area near the school. They say investigators will continue to follow leads, but they will not likely call on large numbers of officers in their effort to catch the suspect. Friday, numerous law enforcement agencies had joined the man hunt in Cortland.
Although police insisted that SUNY Cortland was never "locked down," employees at the Park Center were asked to leave early and access to the campus was restricted in certain areas.
A helicopter was circling the city looking for the suspect. Shots were not fired during the incident.
