Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested In Woodstock

WOODSTOCK, GA — A man has been arrested in connection with the weekend armed robbery of a Ridgewalk Parkway jewelry store, Woodstock Police said Monday.

Officers responded around 4:30 p.m. Sunday to Kay Jewelers, where they say jewelry had been stolen.

Police identified the suspect as John Mendoza, 26, of Lithia Springs. They said after the armed robbery, he fled the scene in a dark sedan.

Woodstock Officer Justin Hinkle located Mendoza near Towne Lake Parkway and Interstate 575, which is less than 2 miles from the jewelry store, police said.

They added they conducted a "high-risk" traffic stop, and Mendoza was arrested without incident.

Stolen jewelry and the weapon suspected of being used in the robbery were found in Mendoza's possession, police said.

Mendoza was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and armed robbery and was taken to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center, police said.

“I am grateful for the swift actions of our first responders in keeping our community safe,” Woodstock Police Chief Roland Castro said in a news release. “I am proud of Officer Hinkle and the coordinated response of all officers who bravely and quickly arrived on scene, taking the suspect into custody within minutes of the robbery.”