Photo: Joshua Rush
Two suspects unsuccessful in their attempt to rob a homeowner when their gun jammed, leading them to announce their planned return when their weapon was repaired, has prompted a comment from Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler. Sheriff Wheeler says the duo needs to rethink their criminal career.
Sheriff Wheeler says his office received a call Sunday evening from the Piercetown area about shots being fired and threats being made. The caller said the suspects threatened to shoot him if he did not give them money.
Deputies responded to the residence and learned 42-year-old Joshua Rush and 40-year-old Camille Rush had driven to the house, fired multiple shots and then poured gas in front of the residence. Addresses for the suspects were not provided.
When the homeowner exited the residence, Rush allegedly pointed a gun at him advising him to give him money or he would shoot him. When the homeowner said he didn’t have any money, Rush tried to shoot, but the gun jammed. Both suspects then left the residence, but not before telling the homeowner they would be back when they got the gun fixed and would expect money. That’s when the homeowner was able to call the sheriff’s office.
Newton County deputies and Jasper police responded to the area and watched for the vehicle the suspects were supposed to be traveling in. The vehicle was soon found back in the area, and a traffic stop was initiated.
In the vehicle, deputies reportedly found a gun matching the description of the one in the incident, with the victim later identifying the weapon as the one used.
Both suspects were taken into custody. Rush is charged with first-degree terroristic threatening, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, possession of firearms by certain persons, meaning he is a convicted felon, DWI, refusal to submit to chemical test, open container and no proof of insurance. Rush is charged with obstructing governmental operations.
Sheriff Wheeler says, “If someone makes the decision to commit a crime and during the commission of that crime, their gun jams and they tell the victim they are going to go fix the gun and return in an hour to resume the crime, they probably need to rethink their criminal career. They are going about it all wrong. They’ll likely learn the intended victim has called law enforcement and will find us there waiting for them.”
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