Sidney, New York Armed Robbery Ends in Arrest

Around 1:38 pm on April 26th, 2024, the Sidney Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting an armed robbery at Smiley's convenience store located at 17 West Main Street.

The perpetrator, disguised with a black and purple wig, a blue Oneonta YellowJackets hooded sweatshirt, and pink slippers, brandished a handgun and demanded money from the store employee. After seizing a substantial amount of cash, the suspect fled south on West Main Street. Upon reaching Sherman Ave, the perpetrator discarded the wig, slippers, and hoodie before navigating through residential backyards toward Adams Street. There, a waiting vehicle, possibly occupied by accomplices, facilitated the suspect's escape to the west on Adams Street, turning left onto Union Street and then right onto Delaware Ave, ultimately leaving the village.

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The suspect is described as a bald or balding, heavy-set white male standing over 6 feet tall. Authorities suspect the vehicle used in the crime to be a silver 2008/2009 Subaru Legacy. A stock image from the police department is below.

Yesterday, the Village of Sidney Police Department issued and update:

On April 26th, 2024, an armed robbery occurred at Smiley's Stop and Shop situated at 17 West Main Street in the Village of Sidney. The perpetrator, initially thought to be a white male wearing a wig and a hooded sweatshirt, was later found to be inaccurately identified. Subsequent investigation efforts enabled the authorities to ascertain the vehicle used by the suspect to flee the scene and eventually led to the suspect's identification.

On the evening of April 27th, 2024, officers from the Sidney Police Department, along with investigators from the New York State Police, successfully located and apprehended the suspect without any untoward incident. During the arrest, a firearm was recovered from the suspect, along with other pertinent evidence related to the case.

The apprehended individual has been identified as Harun A. Spence, aged 45, and has been formally charged with several offenses, including first-degree robbery, first-degree criminal use of a weapon, fourth-degree grand larceny, and second-degree menacing. Spence has undergone processing and has been transported to the Delaware County Central Arraignment Court for arraignment on the aforementioned charges.

While the investigation remains ongoing, additional charges may be forthcoming as more information is gathered. Anyone with any information pertaining to this case is asked to contact the Sidney Police Department at 607 561-2301.