Gulf Shores Robbery Suspect Apprehended by Police

R. Ken Cooper • April 29, 2024

Gulf Shores Police Nab Robbery Suspect After Arby's Incident

Preston Northan Gulf Shores Robbery Suspect

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – On Sunday afternoon, April 28th, the Gulf Shores Police responded to a robbery at the Arby's located at 1515 Gulf Shores Parkway. The incident occurred at 3:33 PM, when a man threatened an employee with what appeared to be a semi-automatic pistol. He demanded money and car keys.


The employee quickly retreated to inform her manager, prompting the suspect to flee. Outside, he attempted to rob two diners, demanding their car keys, but they refused. The suspect then escaped on foot heading north.


Police officers caught the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Preston Hope Northan from Fairhope shortly after on the 1800 block of Gulf Shores Parkway. He faces two counts of first-degree robbery.


During the pursuit, Northan discarded the weapon, which was later found by a police K9 unit. It was revealed to be a BB gun resembling a semi-automatic pistol.

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