Man accused of robbing elderly woman arrested
By Jack Stephens
Published in News on February 18, 2005 2:08 PM
A man accused of assaulting and robbing elderly Wayne County women as they came home from shopping was arrested Thursday by Goldsboro police after a crosstown chase.
James Lenair Albrittain, 29, of Oliver Street in Mount Olive was charged by with two counts each of armed robbery and common-law robbery and one count of first-degree burglary. He was placed in the Wayne County Jail in lieu of a $125,000 secured bond.
"This guy was going around and terrorizing our elderly citizens in Wayne and surrounding counties," Police Chief Tim Bell said. "I'm glad it came to an end."
Police Investigator M.K. Horstmann said Albrittain was accused of robbing women on Feb. 2 in the 600 block of Gloucester Road, on Feb. 3 in the 2700 block of Langston Drive, on Feb. 4 in the 1500 block of South John Street and Wednesday in the 1800 block of Beech Street. Three of the women are in their 80s, and several needed hospital treatment for their injuries.
Albrittain also was being held on six outstanding arrest orders and a probation violation.
Bell said charges from other jurisdictions, including the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and other police departments, are pending against Albrittain.
"The evidence we recovered has been linked to other cases outside of Wayne County," Bell said.
Police found Albrittain on the east side of Goldsboro, but he fled. He jumped from a vehicle but was captured after a short chase in the 1100 block of West Grantham Street.
"This was outstanding work by the investigations division and patrol," Bell said.
The police were assisted by Special Agents John Rea and Barbara Lewis of the State Bureau of Investigation.
Bell said the arrest was the result of good proactive police work.
"We had set up on some areas and it all came together" Thursday," the chief said. "It really made my day."