Rincon police seek help identifying suspect in armed robbery of military veteran

RINCON, Ga. (WTOC) - Rincon police are asking for the public’s help after a military veteran was robbed at gunpoint outside his apartment Thursday night in an incident captured on a Ring doorbell camera.

The robbery happened January 8 at Effingham Parc Apartments when two masked gunmen confronted the veteran as he returned home, according to Rincon Police Chief Jonathon Murrell.

“Two armed men, masked, approached a vehicle and ordered the victim out of the vehicle at gunpoint. One was armed with a handgun, one was armed with a long gun,” Murrell said.

Suspects fled with victim’s belongings and car

The suspects took the victim’s keys, wallet and phone, then fled in his car, which has not been recovered, police said.

Police have identified one suspect as Winfred Lorenzo Jones Jr. Their focus now is identifying the second suspect, who was briefly seen pulling down his mask in the video.

“We’re looking to identify the person on the left in the photo that we released earlier today. That’s the biggest need right now,” Murrell said.

Residents shocked by crime in quiet community

For neighbors at the gated community, the crime shattered a sense of safety in what had been a quiet area.

“I’m really shocked because that has been quite a nice place to live. It’s been quiet and peaceful,” said Sherley Boone, who lives directly across the street from where the robbery occurred.

Another resident said the incident has changed how people think about safety in the area.

“You think this town is completely safe. There’s nothing like that around here, and then it just makes you rethink everything,” said Brody, an Effingham Parc resident.

Many residents learned about the incident through an email from the community manager stating there was a vehicle theft in the neighborhood. They said they didn’t know the severity of the situation until they saw content posted on social media.

Police call crime isolated incident

Police believe this was an isolated incident and say there is no ongoing threat to the public. However, the investigation remains ongoing.

The police chief noted that while Effingham Parc is a gated community, the gate often remains open.

“I know from when I was on patrol here in the city, often times that gate wasn’t closed. A lot of times it stays open,” Murrell said.

Police ask anyone with information about the suspects to contact the Rincon Police Department at (912) 826-5200.