Man arrested in Semmes robbery case

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a man in connection to an armed robbery in Semmes on Tuesday.

Phillip Juane Gaines was wanted in connection to an armed robbery that happened at a restaurant in Semmes the night of August 18. Police said he was seen using the victims' credit cards at stores around the Mobile area the same night of the robbery.

Deputies said two couples were leaving the Beef O’Brady’s restaurant  when they were approached by a man with a handgun who demanded the women’s purses.

One of the victims said when the man attempted to fire the gun; it jammed twice before it fired a shot into the ground.

Deputies said a short time later, Gaines was seen on surveillance cameras using the stolen credit cards.

This is the second time a crime has happened in the Wal-Mart Semmes parking lot in the last few weeks.

Two people were arrested for assault and charged with stabbing two others . The victims had come to the aid of a preacher who authorities said the suspects were harassing. The suspect’s charges were later upgraded to attempted murder. 

“I think it’s awful the things that are going on. People are putting guns to people’s head, shooting them and snatching people’s purses, it’s really bad,” said Tommy Gordon. 

Some locals like Gordon said the recent spike in crime has surprised them.

“I have lived here more than 50 years, and Semmes has always been a great city to live in. The crime rate has always been real low out here until lately,” said Gordon.

“It’s scary. I was really shocked when I heard a couple people got robbed down the road,” said Kristine Alford.

 Alford was born and raised in Semmes. She hopes the recent crime isn’t a sign of what’s to come.

“It could happen to anyone. It could happen to me, my family, my friends,” said Alford.

Sheriff Sam Cochran said this isn’t Gaines’ first fun-in with the law. He was arrested for robbery in 2009 and recently released in March.

Cochran said Gaines may be related to other robberies in the Mobile County area and he hopes Gaines remains in jail for some time.