Armed robbery suspects arrested near Washington after targeted heist at Hilda's store

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a report of someone being robbed by two armed men outside of Hilda’s Family Country Store located on Cherry Run Road on Wednesday, June 4, around 10:41 a.m. The reporting party gave a description of the suspects and the vehicle description, according to authorities.

Deputies and Detectives responded began searching for the suspect vehicle after gaining information from the victim, which was described as a burgundy 2025 Mitsubishi Mirage with a South Carolina registration plate and damage to the front bumper, per a release.

The Washington Police Department located the vehicle in the parking lot of a restaurant on West 5th Street around 12:16 p.m. Two suspects were taken into custody, while a third unidentified black male suspect fled prior to from law enforcement, authorities say. Deputies seized two firearms that were used in the robbery.

Marcel Laquan Whitney, 32, of Chocowinity, and Eric Lavon Whitney Jr., 33, of Washington were arrested and charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon. Both were taken to the Beaufort County Detention Center where they received no bond, per a release.

Based on the information obtained during the investigation, Detectives say it was determined the robbery was targeted towards a singular victim.