Suspects wanted for Elberton bank robbery, arrested

Late last week, the Elberton Police Department were seeking assistance in identifying the suspect who committed an armed robbery at the Pinnacle Bank on College Avenue.

The suspect, a white female wearing sunglasses, a pink sweater and blue jeans walked into the bank and presented a gun and demanded money from the teller.

As of yesterday morning, officials with the Elberton Police Department sent out a press release notifying the public that the suspect wanted in connection with the armed robbery had been apprehended, with a help from the Lavonia Police Department.

Elberton Police Investigators were able to identify the suspect as 35-year-old Shannon Michelle Rush of Elberton. They also identified Brandon J. Rucker as a person of interest. A warrant was issued for the two suspects’ arrest on June 28.

The investigation led investigators to believe Rush might be at a hotel in Lavonia and contacted the Lavonia Police Department.

According to Lavonia Police Chief Bruce Carlisle, Lavonia police officers went to the hotel at approximately 12:30 p.m. Friday and located the suspects. Using proper protocol for a felony arrest, the officers were able to take both suspects into custody, along with a third person, Lisa Rucker.

Rush has been charged with armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Lisa Rucker has been charged with obstruction of law enforcement officers.

Brandon Rucker has been detained and is being questioned by investigators as of the last report. Charges are pending.

Elberton Police Chief Mark Welsh thanked the Criminal Investigators of the Elberton Police Department and other officers who worked tirelessly on the case as well as the Lavonia Police Department for their assistance in capturing the offenders. Welsh said the Lavonia Police Department’s help was invaluable.