Robbery suspects caught in sweep

By Jane Beathard

Staff Writer

Last Friday’s sweep of suspected local drug dealers netted a “bonus” when Madison County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man and woman wanted in connection with a Sept. 4 robbery outside the Kroger, 1585 Georgesville Square Dr., Columbus, that left an elderly woman critically injured.

William R. Jenkins, 24, no known address, is being held without bond in the Franklin County Jail. Kaitlin T. Guy, 24, 13450 Danville Rd., London, is in the same jail under a $500,000 bond. Both were arrested at the Motel 6 near Interstate 70 and U.S. 42 Friday morning after deputies spotted Jenkins’ 1994 Ford Windstar parked outside Room 313.

Local law enforcement authorities were on the lookout for Jenkins after pictures of the man and his van were broadcast by Columbus television stations.

“We received calls after the tape was aired,” said Sheriff Jim Sabin. “But we didn’t know where he (Jenkins) was living.”

During Friday’s drug round-up, deputies learned Jenkins was staying at the Motel 6 and contacted the Columbus police robbery squad. When Jenkins attempted to leave in the van, deputies arrested him for driving without a license, Sabin said.

They held him until Columbus police officers arrived, then returned to the motel room to interview Guy. Both were eventually turned over to Columbus police officers.

Jenkins is accused of snatching the purse of an 80-year-old woman in the Kroger parking lot, knocking her down and grabbing her necklace in the process. The purse contained more than $1,000 in cash, as well as credit cards. Guy drove the getaway van, published reports said.

The elderly victim struck her head and remains in critical condition in a Columbus hospital.

A search of the Windstar turned up a checkbook and checks belonging to the woman, as well as the necklace taken in the robbery. Under questioning, Guy admitted Jenkins’ involvement in the robbery and said she saw him with the victim’s driver’s license, credit cards and necklace, court documents said.

Preliminary hearings for both Jenkins and Guy are set for 10 a.m. on Sept. 24 in Franklin County Municipal Court.