A suspect who used a gas mask during an armed robbery last May appeared in front of Rockdale County Magistrate Court on Wednesday. That gas mask also lead to the capture of one of the suspects.

Wayne Earl Robert Teague and James Gregory Herron allegedly attempted an armed robbery, along with one other suspect, in the victim’s driveway on North Hicks Circle.

Teague, 21, of Atlanta, is charged with aggravated assault, armed robbery, carrying weapon without a license-1st offense-misdemeanor, possession of a schedule I or II controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies, willful obstruction of law enforcement officers by use of threats or violence – felony.

Herron, 22, of Conyers, is charged with aggravated assault, aggravated assault on a police officer, and willful obstruction of law enforcement officers by use of threats or violence – felony.

According to Conyers Police Department Sgt. Ken Swift, on May 15, 2011, the three suspects walked up to a resident on his driveway on North Hicks Circle, pointed a gun and demanded money.  One of the robbers – later identified as Herron – was wearing a gas mask, but the other two were not masked.

The victim told police the robber’s instructions were difficult to hear through the gas mask.

“That’s what the victim said,” Swift said. “He was having trouble understanding what he was saying when he pointed the gun at him.” 

Fortunately, a friend of the victim drove up at the time, scaring off the suspects who got into a blue Chevy Impala and drove away.

Officers spotted the car a short time later and a chase ensued, ending at an intersection on Pleasant Circle.

The three baled out of the car and ran. One of the suspects shot at the officer, who returned fire, but no one was hit. The car, left in neutral, went up against the side of a house. 

Officers managed to catch one of the suspects at the scene – Teague. 

They also found the gas mask that had been left in the car and tested it for DNA. The samples from inside the mask led to confirming Herron’s identity. 

An arrest warrant was issued.  With the help of the FBI and US Marshalls, Herron was found in the West Bloomfield area of Michigan, where he was staying at his father’s house and brought back in December to Rockdale.

The third suspect is still at large.