Lee County Deputies Search for Armed Robbery Suspects

Two men robbed Smiths Station convenience store at knifepoint and gunpoint Saturday night

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Lee County deputies are searching for two armed robbery suspects who held up a convenience store in Smiths Station, Georgia on Saturday night. Security footage shows the suspects demanding money from employees at Terry's 280 Marathon gas station and convenience store, with one suspect wielding a knife and the other displaying a handgun. The cashier on duty, Stephen Garrison, said the incident has left him unsettled, while store owner Dillon Terry noted that this type of crime is uncommon in the area.

Why it matters

Armed robberies can have a significant impact on small businesses and local communities, causing trauma for employees and raising concerns about public safety. This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and security measures to protect workers and deter such criminal activity.

The details

According to the report, the two suspects entered the Terry's 280 Marathon gas station and convenience store just before 11 PM on Saturday. One suspect held a large knife, while the other displayed a handgun. The suspects demanded that the employees, including cashier Stephen Garrison, get on the ground and open the cash register. Store owner Dillon Terry said his cashiers were shaken by the experience, but that this type of crime is uncommon in the area.

  • The armed robbery took place just before 11 PM on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Stephen Garrison

The cashier who was behind the counter during the robbery, and said the incident has left him unsettled.

Dillon Terry

The owner of Terry's 280 Marathon gas station and convenience store, who said his cashiers are shaken by the experience but that this type of crime is uncommon in the area.

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What they’re saying

“I'm pretty mad and afraid at the same time.”

— Stephen Garrison, Cashier (WTVM)

“Our cashiers are shook up so that's not good. They are still working but you know it was pretty scary for them and we are just trying to do things better in the future so we can prevent this from happening ever again.”

— Dillon Terry, Store Owner (WTVM)

What’s next

Anyone with information about the armed robbery suspects is asked to call the Lee County Sheriff's Office or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and security measures to protect small businesses and their employees from the threat of armed robbery, which can have lasting impacts on the local community.