May 27, 2011 Bailey’s Food Pride robbery

COVINGTON — The Newton County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warrant for the second suspect wanted in connection with an armed robbery at Bailey’s Food Pride on Salem Road.

NCSO spokesman Lt. Keith Crum said a warrant has been issued for Javonte Norfleet, 18, of Conyers. Already in custody is Traion West, 19, of 39 Ridge Road. West has been charged with armed robbery, obstruction of a law enforcement officer and loitering and prowling in connection with the incident that occurred Friday, May 27, at about 9:15 a.m.

West was arrested the same day as the robbery after residents of the nearby Sunflower Lane area called to report a suspicious man ringing doorbells.

When deputies made contact with the suspect, according to Crum, he fled and deputies chased him on foot. “The suspect was seen throwing a large amount of money as he fled,” Crum said.

NCSO investigators have tried to make contact with Norfleet without success, Crum said.

“I don’t think he’s really wanting to talk to us,” he added.

Norfleet was identified as a suspect through the investigative process, Crum said.

“We got some information on who it might have been, which led to past associations, which led to going back to witnesses and doing photo lineups and getting identifications on them,” he said.

In other police news, Crum said the NCSO has located additional witnesses in the case of a Pineridge Mobile Home Park man who was stabbed to death in his home Tuesday night.

The Sheriff’s Office has interviewed two people of interest in the case and is now interviewing the additional witnesses. “We have been interviewing them today,” Crum said Friday, “and we will be continuing to follow up on leads and information we gather as we talk to folks and develop more leads from them.”

Crum said the motive in the stabbing of 41-year-old Manuel Castillo is unclear.

“We think we know where we’re going,” he said. “We just don’t have all the pieces to put it together yet.”

Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to call the NCSO at 678-625-1400. Tips can be given to the NCSO anonymously at 678-625-5007 or through their website at www.newtonsheriffga.org and clicking on “anonymous tips.” Those who want a response from NCSO personnel should leave contact information.

Man shot

The Covington Police Department reported that a young man was wounded by gunshot on Geiger Street Friday.

Lt. Ken Malcom with the Covington Police Department said investigators were interviewing witnesses Friday afternoon to determine the nature of the incident. “We are looking into the possibility that it was an accidental shooting,” he said.

Malcom said the victim was shot in the forearm and the bullet passed through his forearm and into his hip. “He was transported to Grady (Memorial Hospital) by ground ambulance. It does not appear that his injuries were life-threatening,” Malcom said.

The shooting occurred shortly before 2 p.m., Malcom said. The victim was shot either inside a residence on Geiger Street or at the entrance to the house, he said.

Investigators were questioning three witnesses in connection with the incident, Malcom said.