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Police arrest one of two suspects in Southaven church robbery

By Chip Washington - bio | email | Twitter | Facebook

SOUTHAVEN, MS (WMC-TV) - One of two armed gunman wanted for robbing a Southaven church has been arrested, police said Friday.

Members of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Southaven said they would rest a bit easier now that police have made an arrest.

The robbery happened the morning of October 10 at the church, located on Highway 51, when two armed men burst in as members were getting ready for a fish fry fundraiser.

Youth Minister Allen Brewer was at the church when it happened.

"They patted us down, took our cell phones, took our wallets, took our keys and come in here, and stole my car," Brewer said.

Police arrested 24-year old Quentin Jevon Shipp of Memphis last Friday night on a warrant. Officers chased him down at the South Garden Apartments, across from the church.

Shipp is charged with armed robbery. 

First Lady Ellen Pellom is glad the police have made an arrest, but she is also lifting the suspects up in prayer.

"We don't want them hurting anyone else or taking anyone else's money or robbing another church. We're praying for their salvation," she said.

Police are still looking for the second suspect in the case.  Pellom was not at the church that morning but believes it was a random crime.

"They had just been walking by and saw the van approaching, saw the adults and children getting out, and it just happened," she said.

Southaven police say a tip from Crimestoppers helped them identify Shipp.  Investigators believe they know who the other suspect is, and are hopeful an arrest will be made soon.

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