Three men charged with robbing South County QuikTrip, fleeing law enforcement – St. Louis Call Newspapers

Charges were issued Tuesday against two St. Louis men and a Jennings man for robbing a QuikTrip in south St. Louis County.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charges Tuesday against Craig Hudson, 36, of Jennings, and Ricardo Cole, 47, of St. Louis, for first-degree robbery, while Frederick Smith, 39, of St. Louis, was charged with resisting arrest by fleeing. Hudson and Cole are being held on $100,000 cash-only bonds, while Smith is being held on $50,000 cash-only bond. The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.

Police said that Cole and Hudson entered the QuikTrip at 2030 Union Road at about 2:25 a.m. Tuesday. Hudson began speaking with a manager while Cole reached into the cash register to steal cash. At some point, after Hudson had joined Cole behind the counter, a manager noticed the two taking cash from the register. Cole then reached into his waistband to imply that he had a weapon, and the manager backed away. Hudson and Cole then left the scene in a car driven by Smith.

Police allege officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Smith failed to yield. During the pursuit, Smith reached speeds over 100 miles per hour, running red lights and stop signs, and driving into oncoming traffic.

Once the three men were finally apprehended, police said they found in the vehicle a large sum of cash, cigarettes, charges and other items that had been taken from the QuikTrip. Cole allegedly admitted to stealing the items.