FROM STAFF REPORTS

HOOVER—Detectives have formally charged a Birmingham man in the Nov. 13 armed robbery of a Marathon gas station on U.S. 280.

Michael Valentine Sanders, 41, was arrested and charged with first-degree robbery.

According to the Hoover Police Department, Sanders allegedly entered the gas station at 9:20 p.m. on Nov. 13 armed with a black, semi-automatic handgun. He allegedly pointed the handgun at the clerk and demanded the clerk open the cash drawer.

Sanders allegedly fled the scene after taking an undetermined amount of cash, getting into a vehicle described as a late-1980s or early 1990s model, gold or brown Buick, possibly a Century or a LeSabre.

The driver of the getaway car is described as an “older” white male with a beard. The vehicle was last seen traveling westbound on U.S. 280.

Surveillance cameras inside the store captured images of the suspect. The images were released to the public, which led to a tip helping to identify the suspect.

Sanders is currently in the Jefferson County Jail, where he has been held since Nov. 18 on robbery charges from another jurisdiction.

Anyone with additional information about the case, including the getaway driver, is urged to contact Sergeant Keith Czeskleba at 739-6795. Those wishing to remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward may contact Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama at 254-7777.