A suspect was arrested just 15 minutes after the armed robberyof a Brookhaven restaurant Saturday night, and officials arecrediting the help of citizens and employees.

Glen Easter, 38, of 412 Storm Avenue, was arrested and chargedwith armed robbery just before 11 p.m. Saturday, after a “goodSamaritan” allegedly followed the suspect from Popeye’s on BrookwayBoulevard, Henderson said.

The helpful citizen was in the drive-thru lane of Popeye’saround 10:40 p.m. when she was informed by employees that therestaurant had just been robbed, Henderson stated.

“The customer saw the suspect’s car leave and followed him,”Henderson said. “She had a cell phone and was able to tell policewhere he went.”

Henderson pointed out that the customer stayed far enough awayfrom the vehicle that she was not detected by the suspect.

“The customer did a fantastic job of staying at a safe distanceand really helping us out,” he added.

Authorities stopped Easter on Smylie Street. They found a brownpaper bag and a .380 pistol, which were reported to police by thecashier at Popeye’s. Officers also discovered money taken from therestaurant, Henderson said.

Easter is being held in the Lincoln County Jail, awaiting a bondhearing.

Henderson was grateful that all employees, customers andofficers were not harmed in the incident.

“I thank God for the way it worked out,” he said.

The robber had made several threats during the hold up,according to statements from a Popeye’s manager to officers.

“He walked up to the cashier and told her to give him the moneyor he would shoot her,” Henderson said, adding that the suspectrepeated the threat when the cashier hesitated.

The suspect also threatened the employees’ safety by tellingthem not to call the police, because he had all of their vehicletag numbers and knew where they lived, Henderson stated.

The detailed description employees were able to give authoritiesmatched Easter, Henderson added.

He complimented the alertness of Popeye’s employees and thecustomer. Henderson also thanked officers Saturday for handling theincident well.

“When we all work together like this, it really helps us do ourjobs better,” he said. “To have a good town and a good policedepartment, the cooperation from the citizens of this town and thebusinesses of this town are needed.”