Suspect in Attalla Armed Robbery Arrested After Multi-Agency Pursuit

Attalla, Ala. — An armed robbery at a local convenience store in Attalla has led to the arrest of a Munford man with an extensive criminal history.

According to the Attalla Police Department, the incident occurred on August 20, when a suspect entered the store armed with a handgun and told the cashier, “I hate to do this, but you’re getting robbed.” The cashier complied and handed over an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect then fled the scene.

A description of both the suspect and his vehicle was quickly shared with surrounding law enforcement agencies. Officers from the Attalla Police Department, Gadsden Police Department, and the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office later located the vehicle, but it was being driven by another individual and the suspect was not inside.

Investigators were able to identify the robbery suspect as Joseph Lee Rainey, 34, of Munford, who had been visiting a friend in the area at the time of the crime and fled afterward. Police say Rainey already had multiple outstanding felony warrants and a lengthy criminal record.

Rainey was later apprehended following a vehicle pursuit involving the Oxford Police Department, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service. He is currently being held in the Calhoun County Jail on theft charges. Attalla Police have also charged him with Robbery 1st Degree and Theft of Property 4th Degree. He is being held without bond.

Attalla Police Chief Doug Jordan expressed appreciation for the assistance of the Etowah County Joint Special Operations Group, Gadsden Police Department, Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, Oxford Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service in locating and arresting Rainey.