Police round up four robbery suspects

LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WIVB) - Police have rounded up the last two suspects in a robbery at the Gulf Station in Lockport.

The store was robbed by four people on September 15th around 12:45 a.m. Lockport Police have arrested 18-year-old NCCC student Chelsee Williams, 21-year-old Ashley Bivins of Niagara Falls, James McClendon of Niagara Falls, and Jessica Burgess, formally of Lockport. Each are charged with second degree robbery, second degree assault and conspiracy.

Authorities say the four plotted to rob the store and say Burgess entered first, spraying the clerk in the face with mace. After the clerk was sprayed, Burgess allegedly waved in Bivins and McClendon while Williams waited by the getaway vehicle across the street and next to Pat's Place, a tavern. Police say the clerk fought to escape but was physically restrained by McClendon as Bivins and Burgess tried to get into the register.

The suspects ultimately failed and the clerk escaped, rushing to Pat's Place for assistance. Bar patrons grabbed McClendon and Burgess and held them until police arrived. Williams and Bivins escaped, but were arrested Monday in Niagara Falls.

The store is still assessing the loss of inventory and damage. Each of the suspects will appear in Lockport City Court, and eventually Niagara County Court to face the charges.