Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested in Laurens

An armed robbery suspect's spree is over and is now awaiting bond.

Tuesday morning, May 14, 2024, a series of armed robberies were reported at Walmart stores in Greenville and Laurens counties. According to the Laurens Police Department, around 10:50am 21-year-old Kylique Zyquan Lyonel Alston of Moncks Corner, entered the E. Main Street Walmart, showed a gun to a store employee then demanded money. He then fled the scene.

Alston was captured not too far from the store after a quickly formed multi-jurisdictional manhunt by the Laurens and Clinton Police Departments and the Laurens County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities say Alston is also responsible for a Walmart robbery in Simpsonville and an attempted robbery at the stores' Whitehorse Road location.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Alston is being held at the Johnston Detention Center awaiting bond. He's charged with Armed Robbery and Possession of A Weapon During A Violent Crime. Additional charges could be pending.

Press Release from the Laurens Police Department below:
Laurens, SC - May 14, 2024 - A series of armed robberies across two counties culminated in the swift capture of the suspect, thanks to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies across multiple jurisdictions.

The suspect has been identified as 21-year-old Kylique Zyquan Lyonel Alston of Moncks Corner, SC. Alston is believed to be connected to two additional Armed Robberies of Walmart Supercenters in Greenville County.

At approximately 10:50 a.m. this morning, Alston entered the Walmart Supercenter at 922 E Main Street, Laurens, SC 29360. Alston displayed a handgun and then demanded money from a store associate. Alston then fled the scene.

Upon Laurens County 911 receiving notification of the incident, officers from the Laurens Police Department, Clinton Police Department, and Laurens County Sheriff's Office responded and quickly launched a multi-jurisdictional manhunt. Their coordinated efforts swiftly led to Alston's apprehension in close proximity to the crime scene.

"While the suspect is now in custody, our investigation into this matter remains ongoing," stated Lt. Brandon Davis of the Laurens Police Department. "We are actively collaborating with agencies in Greenville County to investigate this incident and ensure that justice is served thoroughly."

Alston's apprehension underscores the importance of interagency cooperation and law enforcement personnel's dedication to ensuring our community’s safety and security.

"We want to reassure the public that there is no longer any immediate danger," emphasized Heath Copeland Jr, Chief of the Laurens Police Department. "We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of our residents."

Alston is currently awaiting a bond hearing at the Johnston Detention Center. Alston is currently charged with Armed Robbery and Possession of A Weapon During A Violent Crime, additional charges could be pending.

If you have any information concerning this incident or other related events, please contact the Laurens Police Department at 864-984-3532.

For further inquiries or information, please contact Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Brandon Davis at the Laurens Police Department.