Police say two suspects are in custody with a third still atlarge in the Dec. 29 armed robbery of the Handi Mart on Highway 51North.

Brookhaven Police Chief Pap Henderson said Lekesha L. Bledsoe,24, of 545 Derrick St. and Emanuel Smith Jr. of 619 East CherokeeSt. have been charged with armed robbery in the crime, which policebelieve they committed with an accomplice. Both were still inLincoln County Jail Tuesday morning.

Assistant Police Chief Nolan Jones said around 9:39 p.m. on Dec.29, Bledsoe, Smith and a third male assailant entered the HandiMart and demanded money from the cashier. He said Bledsoe and Smithwere wearing hooded jackets and the third suspect had a towel onhis head.

“The guy with the towel came behind the counter and demandedthat the cashier open the register,” Jones said, adding that theman allegedly indicated to her he had a gun. “She did open theregister and he took an undisclosed amount of cash.”

Henderson said the third suspect may not have had a weapon, butthat he threatened to use one.

“The clerks said he indicated he had a gun, that he had his handin his pocket and he did indicate that if they didn’t do as hewished, he would harm them,” he said.

Officials said the third suspect is still at large and policewill also charge him when he is apprehended.

“We do have charges on the third one,” Henderson said.

Anyone with knowledge of this crime or other information isasked to call the Brookhaven Police Department at (601) 833-2424 orLincoln County Crimestoppers at (601) 823-0150.