Citgo Masked Robber Arrested After Police Chase

The suspect wanted for a masked armed robbery recently at a Hamilton Mill Road gas station was arrested Monday after a high-speed chase.

Gregory Randel Phillips, 23, and a passenger in his car were arrested after they ditched the vehicle and ran into the woods, where they were eventually found, police said in a news release.

• RELATED: Man Slips Into Bathroom, Becomes Masked Robber

Police believe Phillips is the man shown in surveillance camera images from a Sept. 24 robbery at the Citgo gas station located at 4131 Hamilton Mill Road. The photos showed the unmasked suspect walk into the store, slip into the bathroom to put on the mask then emerge to rob the store.

Police said media coverage of the story led to multiple tips identifying Phillips as the suspect.

Gwinnett Police Public Information Officer Cpl. MIchele Pihera said officers located Phillips and the passenger (unrelated to the robbery) around 6:15 p.m. Monday at the Buford Housing Authority on Circle View Drive. After the suspects left that location, police attempted a traffic stop, but Phillips allegedly fled away at a high rate of speed.

They eventually abandoned the car and fled into a wooded area behind a warehouse on Atwater Court in Buford.

Phillips has been charged with robbery, simple battery, fleeing police and reckless driving. He allegedly stole money and cigarettes in the robbery, police said.

The passenger, David C. Lynn, 21, was arrested for outstanding warrants. Investigators don’t believe he was involved in the robbery.

Photo: Gregory Randel Phillips; Gwinnett County Jail mug shot