COVINGTON, Tenn — The Covington Police Department (CPD) said they have made an arrest in the recent armed robbery at the New China Star Buffet.
On Nov. 19, around 7:30 p.m., Covington Police responded to an armed robbery at New China Star Buffet, where police said a man held a hostess at gunpoint and stole money from the register and tip jar.
Covington Police said they identified the suspect as Rodrick Gooden, 19, of Memphis.
Over the course of the investigation, CPD detectives said they began working with U.S. Marshals in order to locate Gooden.
On Nov. 27, CPD was found and arrested in Memphis by U.S. Marshals, who found a stolen weapon in Gooden’s possession when he was arrested. The weapon was confirmed to have been stolen in a car burglary on Park Street in Covington during a recent rash of car burglaries, according to CPD.
Gooden was charged with aggravated robbery, theft under $1,000 and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. He is being held until his appearance at the Tipton County General Sessions Court on Dec. 1.
"I appreciate the partnership with the Two Rivers U.S. Marshals Task Force to help us locate and apprehend this violent suspect," said Chief Donna Turner. "Our goal is to continue to strive for a safer community in Covington.”
CPD is asking anyone with information regarding similar incidents to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 901-475-1261 or send a message to Covington Police Department’s Facebook.
