Bicycle Getaway Fails as Suspect Arrested for Gas Station Armed Robbery

A local convenience store was the scene of a frightening armed robbery this weekend, but rapid police work ensured the suspect didn't remain free for long. The Charleston Police Department has officially announced the arrest of a local man following a brazen Sunday evening hold-up.

The GoMart Armed Robbery

According to official incident reports, the robbery occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m. on Sunday at the GoMart gas station and convenience store located at 722 Bigley Avenue. Officers responding to the emergency call were told by the terrified clerk that an unidentified male, dressed entirely in black clothing, had entered the store and approached the counter.

The situation rapidly escalated when the suspect brandished a handgun and directly threatened the clerk, demanding cash from the register. After securing an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect bizarrely opted for a low-tech escape, fleeing the immediate area on a bicycle.

Rapid Arrest

Despite the suspect's successful initial escape, the ensuing investigation moved incredibly fast. Responding officers immediately secured the store's high-definition surveillance footage. By reviewing the video and locating physical evidence discarded a short distance from the crime scene, detectives were able to positively identify the suspect as 39-year-old Shavan Collins, a resident of Charleston.

Armed with this identification, officers tracked Collins to a residence located in the 1100 block of Kanawha Boulevard West. He was taken into custody without further incident a short time later and has been formally charged with first-degree robbery.

Safety Protocols for Convenience Store Clerks

Convenience stores and gas stations are statistically among the most frequent targets for armed robberies because they are open late, lightly staffed, and handle physical cash. For clerks working these vulnerable shifts, surviving a robbery is the only priority:

• Absolute Compliance: Never argue, hesitate, or attempt to negotiate with an armed robber. Your physical safety is paramount. Follow their exact instructions, hand over the cash immediately, and do not make any sudden or unexpected movements that could startle the suspect.
• Keep Hands Visible: Keep your hands in plain sight at all times. If you need to reach under the counter to open a register or bag the cash, explicitly tell the robber exactly what you are doing before you move your hands.
• Do Not Pursue: Once the suspect has the money and turns to leave, stay exactly where you are. Never follow an armed suspect out of the store into a dark parking lot. Lock the front door as soon as they are clear, move to a safe area, and immediately dial 911.