THOMASVILLE — Three suspects were arrested after area law enforcement pinpointed their involvement in a string of recent armed robberies following a Friday night robbery in Pavo, according to authorities. 

Isaiah Dishawn Thomas, Dontavious Tyriq Jenkins, and Rafael Spindola Merritt were arrested by Thomas County Sheriff’s Office investigators and Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division agents, along with the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, Sunday morning. 

According to Lt. Tim Watkins, sheriff’s office chief investigator, the investigation determined the three individuals were involved in the armed robberies of a Thomasville Circle K convenience store, a Coolidge Dollar General, and a Moultrie Dollar General.   

Armed robbers struck the Pavo Dollar General around 10:15 p.m., according to reports.

According to Watkins, the victim stated three black males, brandishing firearms, entered the store and demanded money. Store personnel complied and the suspects left with an undetermined amount of money. 

“A witness in the parking lot was able to provide law enforcement with a description of the vehicle and direction of travel,” Watkins said. 

A Boston Police Department officer, who responded to assist deputies, made contact with the vehicle. The vehicle attempted to elude the officer, according to authorities. 

“The suspect vehicle lost control and crashed,” Watkins said. “The suspects ran into a wooded area.”  

Aided by Georgia State Patrol troopers, officers set up a perimeter around the area. The woods were searched and a Thomasville Police Department K-9 unit assisted in the search, according to authorities. 

Investigators were able to determine the driver at the scene, and the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office apprehended him at his residence in Moultrie.   

Thomas, Jenkins, and Merritt were identified after a forensic search was conducted on the vehicle, according to Watkins.