Atmore robbery suspect jailed

A 58-year old Pensacola man has been arrested on multiple charges for the Oct. 15 robbery at New York Fashions where the suspect allegedly beat an employee while inside the store.

Paul G. McReynolds, 7891 Sumpter St., was arrested last Thursday after Atmore and Poarch police located Reynold's vehicle parked outside Wind Creek Casino.

Police noted that McReynolds was identified as "a person of interest" early in the investigation. Reports state when McReynolds noticed police approaching him last Thursday at Wind Creek he attempted to flee the area on foot. He was taken into custody near the Hampton Inn after a brief foot chase.

McReynolds was arrested and charged with robbery I, assault I and unlawful imprisonment and transported to the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton.

Court records state McReynolds is accused of using a crow bar to strike the employee in the head numerous times while inside the Atmore store on Main Street. Records also state McReynolds is accused of restraining the victim by tying belts around his wrists and ordering him not to move.

Police stated the suspect left the store with less than $40 cash and took the employee's credit card out of his pocket.

Police said a customer went into New York Fashions about 10 a.m. on Oct. 15 and found the employee suffering from a head wound and then dialed 911.

During a bond hearing last week before District Judge Eric Coale McReynolds cited financial hardship and requested a court-appointed attorney. Judge Coale appointed the public defender's office to represent McReynolds and set the bond at $250,000. Should McReynolds get out on bond, Judge Coale stipulated he is to have no contact with the victim or possess any deadly weapon.