FRANKLIN

The Franklin Police Department is seeking the whereabouts of a Franklin man wanted in connection with an armed robbery that occurred last Sunday.

According to Sgt. Scott Halverson, spokesman for the FPD, the city’s emergency communications center received a call at approximately 7:35 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, reporting that a resident had been robbed at gunpoint in the 500 block of Laurel Street. Police arrived on scene and spoke to the victim, who reportedly told the officers he had been approached by two black males, one holding a rifle.

A struggle ensued and the victim was struck with the rifle, after which the assailants allegedly went through his pockets and took his money. Franklin Fire & Rescue responded and transported the victim to Southampton Memorial Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

Police have identified one of the suspects as Damian Tywon Artis, 18, of Franklin, and have issued warrants for Artis’ arrest on charges of robbery and felonious assault.

Artis is also charged with petit larceny and climbing into a vehicle with the intent to commit a crime in relation to a reported larceny from a vehicle parked in the Burger King parking lot on Armory Drive, which occurred later that same night.

Anyone who has information about this crime or the whereabouts of Artis is asked to call Franklin Police at 562-8575 or Franklin Crime Solvers at 562-8599. Information that leads to an arrest can earn the caller a cash reward while remaining anonymous.