The Brookhaven Police Department has arrested three suspects inconnection with the Friday robbery of Dirt Cheap on Schwem Avenue,said Chief Pap Henderson.

Steven Earl Owens, 18, of Wesson, has been charged with armedrobbery and aggravated assault. Christopher Thadison, 19, ofWesson, has been charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery.Also charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery is Donald R.Shorter, 18, of Brookhaven.

Henderson said Thadison and Shorter, who have been released onbond, admitted to discussing the robbery. Owens, who remains incustody, denies taking part in the robbery and will be questionedby BPD officials later today.

Shorter, who was employed with Dirt Cheap, confessed to workingas an inside man in planning the robbery, the chief said.

“They had to have knowledge of what was happening,” Hendersonsaid. “There had to be a part where they discussed the operation ofthe store and the money. The two conspirators admit their parts indiscussing and having knowledge of the robbery.”

Henderson said the department’s investigation is ongoing.

In the Friday evening robbery, an undisclosed amount of cash wastaken from the store and one employee was struck in the back of thehead with the robber’s weapon, authorities said.