Lake Charles –
Earlier this morning at approximately 5:00 a.m.Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a convenience store on Nelson Road in Lake Charles in reference to an armed robbery.
The preliminary investigation revealed a man entered the store armed with a knife and demanded money from the clerk. The suspect stole an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the scene.
After further investigation detectives viewed video surveillance of the suspect and were able to obtain a description. Later this morning deputies located the suspect, identified as Fernando L. Nelson, 53, 2608 General Patton Street, Lake Charles, during a traffic stop. When deputies located Nelson he was in possession of a scarf, seen on video surveillance, and a knife. When detectives spoke with him he confirmed he was responsible for the Armed Robbery.
He was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correcitonal Center and charged with armed robbery. His bond is pending.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
CPSO Detective Chris Scharp is the lead investigator on this case.