IFN Staff

Two suspects face charges in connection with an armed robbery that occurred at the Red Roof Inn in Statesville on Wednesday.

Statesville police officers responded to the hotel, located at 1508 E. Broad Street, about 5 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of an armed robbery, according to an SPD news release. Arriving officers were told that an individual had been robbed at gunpoint of money and other personal property by two suspects who fled into a nearby wooded area, police said.

With the assistance of SPD K9 units, officers successfully tracked and apprehend one suspect, identified as Steven Michael Potts, 19, of Kammerer Drive, Statesville, according to the news release.

A second suspect, who is a juvenile, was located and taken into custody a short time later near the intersection of E. Broad Street and Safriet Road, police said. The SPD did not release the name or age of the juvenile suspect.

During the investigation, officers determined that the suspects had arranged to meet the victim through Snapchat for a narcotics-related transaction, according to the news release.

The robbery occurred after the victim arrived at the agreed-upon location, police said.

A search warrant was executed at the suspects’ hotel room and vehicle, leading to the discovery of a firearm, cash, and additional evidence connected to the robbery, police said.

Potts has been charged with armed robbery, second-degree kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit robbery. He was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was ordered held without bond pending a first court appearance.

The juvenile suspect, who faces the same charges, was transported to the Alexander County Juvenile Detention Center under a secure custody order.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed, police said.