A concerned citizen’s tip brought about the arrest of a suspect believed to be involved in the armed robbery of the Nicholson Chevron on Tuesday.

The suspect is identified as Chad Alexander, 34, of 31 Magnolia Dr.

Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department Chief Investigator Donnie Saucier said the robbery took place at about 9:20 that night as the staff was closing up. At that time, a man walked in wearing a towel on his head and who had something wrapped around his hand.

The suspect indicated he had a gun and demanded money from the cashiers on duty. After getting an undisclosed amount of money, he fled on foot.

Thursday night, the department received a call from a concerned citizen stating that Alexander had confessed to the robbery. Detective Rhonda Poche contacted Alexander’s wife, after obtaining her phone number, and established a time and place for Alexander to turn himself in, Saucier said.

Alexander showed up at the location and turned himself in at about 10 p.m. Thursday.

Saucier said the crime scene unit collected some physical evidence and is looking for more. That evidence will be processed to form a strong case and seek a conviction.

If convicted of the crime, Alexander could face life in prison.

Saucier said this incident is another example of how the community’s involvement can help local law enforcement solve crimes rapidly.

At press time, no gun or other weapon has been found, but Saucier said the fact that the suspect alleged he had a gun is grounds for armed robbery charges.

“It really doesn’t matter if he had one or not… The law states if the victim thought he had one, it’s armed robbery,” Saucier said.

Alexander is charged with armed robbery.