Police: Duo of Drag Queen Bandits Arrested

Two North Charleston men have been charged in connection with two West Ashley robberies last Friday, and one of the men has also been charged in connection with the armed robbery of a James Island fast food restaurant on Monday.

Melvin Laurence Gathers, 25, of 4335 Andrews St., North Charleston, is charged with two counts of armed robbery, one count of strong armed robbery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.

Gathers was arrested at the Econo Lodge on Savannah Highway Tuesday afternoon, according to a Charleston Police Department statement.

Joe Louis Brown, 23, of 5056 Rockingham St., North Charleston, is charged with armed robbery, strong armed robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime and two counts of unlawful carrying of a handgun.

Gathers and Brown are both facing charges stemming from on Savannah Highway, during which men in wigs and women's clothing demanded money from a hotel clerk and a cashier at the bowling alley. They have also been charged in the armed robbery of an Arby's on James Island, according to the statement.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story that reported only Melvin Laurence Gathers was charged in conjunction with the armed robbery of the Arby's on James Island was based on the statement issued by the Charleston Police Department on May 2, however the Department has since clarified that Joe Louis Brown has also been charged in that case.