2 MEN CHARGED IN PIZZA ROBBERY

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police on Thursday charged two men with the robbery of a restaurant moments earlier and recovered a stolen car.

Raphael Samuel Smith Jr., 19, and Raphael Jamel Mikell, 23, were charged with armed robbery and possession of a weapon in commission of a crime after Islands Precinct officers, canine officers and SWAT team members surrounded and searched a house on the 5600 block of Laroche Avenue. Smith also was charged with obstruction of a law enforcement officer.

Police were investigating the robbery of a pizza restaurant in the 8500 block of Waters Avenue about 1 p.m. Two men wearing ski masks and carrying weapons entered the restaurant as it was opening and took cash and a computer.

The investigation led to the house on Laroche where Smith led officers on a foot chase before being arrested. The Mazda reported stolen in West Chatham precinct was recovered near the house.

SCMPD Robbery detectives continue to investigate.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637). In the body type, include “CStop2020” plus the tip. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

A confidential Tip Line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124.