By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Daylight robber nabbed after chase
Michael George Mitchem
Michael Mitchem - photo by Photo courtesy of ECSO

Effingham County sheriff’s deputies arrested a teenager not long after he allegedly attempted to rob a Rincon pawn shop on Tuesday.

Michael George Mitchem, 17, of Lyons, was caught and charged with robbery of the Quick Cash pawn shop at the intersection of Highway 21 and McCall Road.

According to investigators, Mitchem allegedly entered the pawn shop at approximately 1:15 p.m. and jumped over the counter,  taking two handguns that were behind the counter.

The door to the pawn shop was broken Monday night. Effingham Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Bohannon said Mitchem admitted to breaking the door.

Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie said deputies chased Mitchem on foot for several miles before he was finally arrested in the Goshen Hills subdivision. The pickup truck Mitchem was driving was found parked in the Microtel Hotel parking lot and the stolen handguns were recovered.

Sheriff’s investigators also located a Glock pistol replica in the vehicle, which is believed to have been used for other armed robberies.

Mitchem was taken to the Effingham County Jail and charged with robbery, theft by taking, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.