Arrests Made in Numerous Robberies

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville police arrested a local man involved in a string of gas station robberies Friday. Ray Hawkins Jr., 27, of Jacksonville, was arrested for his alleged involvement in the Oct. 18 robbery of J-N-J’s Food Mart on Jackson Street. Hawkins provided the revolver used in the robbery as well as the get-away car. He faces two counts of aggravated robbery, a first degree felony. Hawkins will not be charged as an accomplice, but for the actual offense. Each count carries a possible sentence of between five to 99 years in jail and/or a $10,000 fine.

Police officials said Rodrick Johnson, 20, of Jacksonville executed the robbery of the store and robbed a customer at gunpoint for his wallet. Officials said this counts as two robberies. JPD arrested Johnson on Oct. 28 for warrants on two gas station robberies in Freestone County. Officials also said he was also involved in the robbery of The Corner Store, on F.M. 747, on Oct. 9.

Police arrested Aaron Hale, 19, of Jacksonville and his wife, Briana Hale, 17, of Jacksonville, Cody Kirby, 22, of Jacksonville and Wayne Frangiosa, 21, of Jacksonville. Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department Aaron Hale was the possible driver in the Fastrac robbery and information gained from that arrest gave led to other robberies. Officials said a gun found in the car matched one involved in the robbery of the Nu Time Truck stop on Oct. 18. Officials said store videos show Kirby using the rifle. Frangiosa has also been linked to the robberies of the Corner Store and Nu Time.