Bibb County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an “Armed Robbery in Progress” at the Fountain Car Wash, located at 965 Gray Highway. The incident occurred at around 9:00 a.m.

It was reported that a male attempted to steal a backpack blower. One of the employees approached the male as he attempted to leave the parking lot, with the blower. The male brandished a handgun and the employee stopped. The male left the car wash parking lot and headed towards the Fort Hill area.

A patrol deputy heard the Be On the Look Out, given over the Sheriff’s radio and spotted the male, minutes later, walking down Center Street. The patrol deputy took the male into custody, recovered the backpack blower, and also recovered a Daisy BB Gun, that resembled a real handgun.

The male was taken in custody and interviewed by investigators. The male was identified as 50-year-old Robert Gerome Tufts. He was transported to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center. Tufts is currently in jail, without bond, for the charge of Armed Robbery.

Anyone with information in reference to this incident is asked to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 or Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.