Two Effingham County men have been charged in connection with armed robberies at two local businesses last fall.

Casey Shearouse, 20, and Aaron Kirby, 20, both of Guyton, were arrested following a 10-month investigation by the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the ECSO, investigators tracked Shearouse to Baldwin County. Sheriff’s deputies there arrested Shearouse Tuesday afternoon at a home near Milledgeville.

Kirby was arrested behind a residence on Watts Road after he fled from deputies, said ECSO spokesman Detective David Ehsanipoor.

Kirby and Shearouse were involved in two incidents in three days in October, according to the ECSO. Investigators determined Shearouse drove Kirby to the El Cheapo on Long Bridge Road on Oct. 22, and Kirby attempted to rob the store.

“Kirby jumped on the counter with a replica shotgun. The clerk pointed a firearm at Kirby before he ran away,” Ehsanipoor said.

The two men also committed an armed robbery at the Octane Gas Station on Highway 80 on Oct. 24, according to investigators.

“Kirby entered the store with a tactical shotgun and held the clerk at gunpoint, making him fill a bag of lottery tickets and other items,” Ehsanipoor said. “Shearouse was the getaway driver.”

Kirby was charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and false imprisonment.

Shearouse was charged with armed robbery. A 16-year-old juvenile also was arrested and charged with hindering the apprehension of a criminal as deputies were attempting to locate Kirby.

Meth suspect sought
The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a wanted drug suspect as part of a long-term investigation into people assisting methamphetamine manufacturers.

Deputies are looking for Jasper Bowman, 35, of Springfield, who is wanted on meth-related charges.

Anyone with information on Bowman’s whereabouts is asked to call the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office at 754-3449.