Two individuals have been arrested and are facing charges following the armed robbery of a game room in the Edom area on September 11. Labryson Orange was apprehended in Columbus, Ohio, while Whitney Barnett was taken into custody by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. Both arrests stem from an incident where a game store was robbed at gunpoint, with the suspects allegedly fleeing with more than $8,000.
According to a press release issued by the Van Zandt County Constables Precinct 4, the robbery occurred on September 11. The release states that Orange and Barnett allegedly robbed the game store at gunpoint, then escaped the scene in a car that had been borrowed from Barnett’s mother. The investigation into the incident quickly led to the identification of the two suspects.
Labryson Orange was identified through surveillance video captured during the robbery and additional information gathered by investigators. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office played a role in identifying Whitney Barnett. Upon the conclusion of the initial investigative phase, warrants were issued for the arrests of both Orange and Barnett.
Whitney Barnett was arrested by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday during a traffic stop. According to current jail records, Barnett is being held at the Smith County Jail. Barnett faces charges of aggravated robbery related to the Edom incident, and also a charge of possession of marijuana.
Labryson Orange, already wanted by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office on unrelated felony charges, reportedly fled the state following the September 11 robbery. The investigation to locate Orange broadened, with the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force joining the effort. Their combined work led to the location and arrest of Orange in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday afternoon.
The press release indicates that Orange will be returned to Texas to stand trial for the charges connected to the Edom game room robbery. The successful resolution of the case, leading to the apprehension of both suspects, was credited to the collaborative efforts of several law enforcement agencies. The Van Zandt County Constables Precinct 4, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force were specifically recognized for their roles in the investigation and arrests.
