Suspect in Walmart robberies arrested in Laurens

A suspect believed to be connected with a pair of Walmart Supercenter robberies in Greenville County was apprehended Tuesday shortly after attempting to rob the Walmert Supercenter in Laurens.

Kylique Zyquan Lyonel Alston, 21, of Moncks Corner was taken into custody after he allegedly displayed a handgun and demanded money from a Walmart employee just before 11 a.m.

He then fled the store and officers from the Laurens Police Department, Clinton Police Department and Laurens County Sheriff’s Office took him into custody after a sweep of the area.

Alston was located in a wooded area near Walmart and arrested at 11:33 a.m. He was booked into the Laurens County Detention Center where he was awaiting a bond hearing Tuesday afternoon on charges of armed robbery and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Additional charges could be pending, the LPD said.

Investigators believe Alston to be connected to similar robberies at Walmart locations in Simpsonville and Greenville.

“While the suspect is now in custody, our investigation into this matter remains ongoing,” said LPD Lt. Brandon Davis. “We are actively collaborating with agencies in Greenville County to investigate this incident and ensure that justice is served thoroughly.”

A release from the LPD lauded the cooperation among the county’s three law enforcement agencies during the short manhunt that led to Alston’s arrest.

“Their coordinated efforts swiftly led to Alston’s apprehension in close proximity to the crime scene,” the release read.

LPD Chief Heath Copeland said any threat to the public ended with Alston’s arrest.

“We want to reassure the public that there is no longer any immediate danger,” Copeland said. “We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of our residents.”
Anyone with information on this incident or other related events are asked to contact the LPD at 864-984-3532.