In Fort Worth, Texas, a string of corner store robberies had the city on edge, but thanks to some quick-thinking community members and a tip from surveillance footage, police have arrested 45-year-old Roderick Dennis. He’s now facing five counts of robbery for crimes committed over the past two months.
Investigators believe Dennis pulled off five robberies across the city, using a similar tactic each time. For the first four, he reportedly distracted the clerk before pulling out a gun and demanding money. The most recent incident happened on December 16 at a food mart on Mansfield Highway. During this robbery, Dennis allegedly held the clerk at gunpoint and made off with $2,000 in cash and lottery scratch-off tickets.
Surveillance footage from the food mart was shared the next day, and it didn’t take long for the tips to pour in. Within hours, Fort Worth police received several credible leads that all pointed to Dennis as the suspect. Officers moved quickly and arrested him without any trouble. He’s now in the Tarrant County Jail with a bond set at more than $300,000.
Officer Tracy Carter emphasized how important the community’s help was in catching Dennis. The surveillance footage proved to be a turning point, making it possible for the police to zero in on him. Carter thanked everyone who came forward with tips, saying this kind of teamwork between the police and the community is what makes a difference. “This is a great day,” Carter said. “We were able to stop a serial robber who, hopefully, won’t be causing harm anytime soon.”
As it turns out, Dennis is no stranger to the law. His criminal record in Tarrant County includes previous charges for burglary, robbery, and multiple drug-related offenses. Earlier this year, court records show he violated his bond conditions on two robbery warrants in April. Then, in November, during the time he was allegedly committing the corner store robberies, he failed to provide a required urine sample for his bond conditions. This led to a warrant being issued for his arrest.
Thanks to the quick action of Fort Worth police and the community’s willingness to speak up, Dennis is now behind bars, and the city’s corner stores can breathe a little easier.
