A clothing match from a recent traffic stop led to the arrest of a 36-year-old Centralia man for aggravated robbery of the Centralia Huck’s store early Monday morning.
Police Lieutenant Steve Whritenour says a detective thought the person seen on still images from video surveillance from the robbery resembled Jeffrey Gallatin of South Poplar Street in Centralia. Knowing that Gallatin had been involved in a September 25th traffic stop, the body cam video was reviewed and showed Gallatin wearing a hat with a metallic sticker, camouflage jacket, and brown work-style boots that matched those in the Huck’s still. Police say Gallatin’s walk was also similar. Other video collected from other businesses show Gallatin leaving Huck’s towards his home three blocks away.
A search warrant was then issued for Gallatin’s home where he was taken into custody and $65 was recovered.
Police reports indicate that Gallatin was wearing a camouflage jacket and black mask when he walked into the Huck’s store and placed a note on the counter that said ‘don’t call the cops. Give me all the money in the register or I’ll blow your brains out.’ The note then reported ‘Don’t call the cops’.
The clerk gave the suspect $220 before he left on foot.
The aggravated robbery charge filed in Marion County Court says through his actions to the victims, Gallatin indicated he was presently armed with a dangerous weapon and took the money from the clerk by threatening the imminent use of force.
During his first appearance in court on Tuesday, Judge Ericka Sanders ordered Gallatin held without bond pending further court action. She cited the dangerous nature of the charge and Gallatin’s extensive criminal history.
A public defender was appointed to represent Gallatin. He is due back in court October 20th for a first appearance with counsel and a preliminary hearing.
