Duo nabbed in Cary shopping center robberies

Charles Ruben Morgan III and Christopher Sumrell were arrested Sunday night after they unsuccessfully tried to rob two people at 5707 Dillard Drive, police said. The victims got the license plate number of the vehicle the men fled in, leading to their arrest.

Police said they were also able to link Morgan, 20, of the 100 block of Westover Hill Drive in Cary, to armed robberies on May 27 at 6458 Tryon Road, June 13 at 2420 Walnut St. and June 30 at 6430 Tryon Road.

"Thanks to these observant citizens, we were able to close the books on several cases," police investigator Capt. Don Hamilton said in a statement.

Morgan was charged with three counts of attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon and one count each of robbery with a dangerous weapon and common-law robbery.

Sumrell, 20, of the 2500 block of Bryarton Village Way in Raleigh, was charged with aiding and abetting armed robbery.

Police said they are still investigating the string of robberies and urged residents to share any information about them. However, they cautioned people not to put themselves in danger to report on criminal behavior.

"Whenever you are out and about in Cary, be sure to report anything that seems suspicious to safety officials immediately," Hamilton said. "It's what continues to keep Cary one of the safest places in the nation to live, work and raise a family."

Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to call Cary police at 919-469-4012 or Crime Stoppers at 919-226-2746. Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for anonymous tips that solve crimes.