Woman Allegedly Robbed While Trying To Buy Marijuana, Arrest Made

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL — An arrest has been made involving an attempted purchase of marijuana - but not the kind of arrest one might expect. A woman called 9-1-1 when she was reportedly robbed while trying to buy marijuana, and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office responded by arresting the man who allegedly robbed her.

The incident occurred Monday night, as a woman called to report that she and her friends had met two men to buy marijuana in the 4100 block of Masseyline Church road in Pinson and the men reportedly robbed them.

The victim reported that the men had a weapon and took her money and her car. Deputies later spotted the car near highway 151 and tried to initiate a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and rammed a patrol vehicle while attempting to get away. Deputies pursued the car to some apartments on Bond Circle in Center Point.

The suspects reportedly jumped out of the car and ran. Deputies were able to capture the passenger while the driver fled into a wooded area. Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate the driver.

Deputies arrested 19-year-old Carlos Dion Harper and charged him with first degree robbery and resisting arrest. His bonds total $40,300.

Sheriff’s Detectives are continuing this investigation, including trying to identify the driver and obtaining warrants against him.

Jefferson County is one of the counties in Alabama that has pledged to curb minor marijuana arrests, which may have played into the victim's willingness to report the robbery despite her attempt to illegally purchase marijuana. No charges have been reported as pending against the woman who was robbed.