MPD: Officers pre-empt robbery attempt

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile police said officers working Operation IMPACT observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of the Regions Bank located on Airport Boulevard. 

MPD said when officers investigated the car at around 9 p.m. on Friday, they discovered three men in the vehicle. One of the men, later identified as Nicholas Stokes, was wearing a ski mask and gloves, according to police. They said they also found two handguns in the vehicle. 

Police said the three men were waiting for someone to rob.

“Where they were sitting in the parking lot it was kind of a dark area so I’m sure they were able to hide,” said Cpl. Chris Levy. “I’m sure some people came from in and out of there noticed them and luckily didn’t become victims.”

After further investigation, detectives determined that the men in the vehicle, identified as Carl Watson, Jerome Jackson, and Nicholas Stokes, were responsible for a robbery that occurred August 10, 2012, and were conspiring to commit a robbery when they were located by officers. 

 “It’s proactive policing. They’re going out trying to find a problem before the problem has the opportunity to make someone the victim,” said Levy.

Watson, Jackson and Stokes were arrested and charged with first-degree robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery first-degree.  Watson and Stokes were also charged with no pistol permit.