Charleston Reporter

Sgt. Washington-Sanders honored for arrest of armed robbery suspect

Aug 19, 2024

The North Charleston Police Department (NCPD) has recognized Sgt. Abril Washington-Sanders with a Certificate of Recognition for June 2024. The commendation follows her instrumental role in the apprehension of a suspect involved in an armed robbery at a gas station on Dorchester Road.

On June 7, detectives identified a potential suspect linked to the robbery. Officers located the suspect’s vehicle parked at their residence and established a perimeter around the area. Patrol units, K-9 units, and detectives began efforts to summon the suspect from their home.

Sgt. Washington-Sanders arrived on the scene and began researching phone numbers associated with the suspect. She successfully contacted the suspect’s mother, who then came to the location. Information was obtained indicating that the suspect might be near Northwoods Mall, waiting for a bus. North Patrol units were dispatched to search the area.

During this time, Sgt. Washington-Sanders re-established communication with the suspect, who demanded that officers leave his home. Utilizing her experience as a negotiator, she maintained her composure and engaged with the suspect calmly. Through this interaction, she gleaned small details about his location which were relayed to patrol units.

This critical information led officers to find and arrest the suspect at a gas station on Rivers Avenue.

"It was Sgt. Washington-Sanders’ exceptional ability and fantastic work that directly led to the arrest of the suspect," stated an NCPD representative.