UPDATE:

The Covington Police Department (CPD) made two arrests late Saturday night in relation to the armed robbery at Ingles on Highway 278 earlier that day.

Jahmar, Smith, 28, 9155 Bent Pine Court, Covington, was arrested and charged in connection with the Ingles armed robbery that occurred early Saturday morning.

Lamont Castleberry, 29, was also arrested at the Bent Pine Court residence for violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.  

"We have recovered a weapon, an amount of cash, and clothing that we believe are related to this case," CPD Captain Ken Malcom said. "Both men are former Ingles employees."

ORIGINAL STORY: 

Just before 7 a.m. Saturday, an armed robbery with shots fired was reported at the Ingles on Highway 278 East.

According to statements from the Covington Police Department (CPD), the manager and a coworker were exiting the store to make the night deposit at the bank when a black male approached the two and held a gun to the manager's head, demanding money. The manager then dropped his wallet and keys but the suspect seemed to know there was a money bag and demanded more.

After the manager dropped his money bag on the ground, the suspect told the manager to step into the manager's truck. At that time, the manager pulled a gun from his glove box and shot at the suspect. The suspect returned fire, according to CPD Captain Ken Malcom.

It is believed that the suspect may have been struck by the round. The manager and the other employee were not hurt.

CPD is investigating.

Ingles will be open for business today.

Check back here at covnews.com for more updates as available.