-
James Russell Smith
According to a report released Sept. 23 by Port Arthur police, a gas station bystander interceded after witnessing a 62-year-old man’s attempt to rob a clerk at the West Port Arthur Road store Sept. 20.
At approximately 9:53 p.m., Port Arthur police officers were dispatched to 6599 West Port Arthur Road, Citgo Gas Station, in reference to a robbery. When officers arrived on scene, they observed two male subjects in some type of altercation. The clerk advised officers that the masked suspect, identified as James Russell Smith, entered the store and demanded money in a threatening manner.
A citizen, who was outside the store, heard the commotion and ran inside. The citizen immediately went to the defense of the clerk and detained the suspect until police arrived, according to the report. Officers arrested Smith for robbery and transported him to the Jefferson County jail.
As of press time, Smith was listed on the Jefferson County inmate roster alongside a $50,000 bond.