UPDATE: Both suspects in Cochran armed robbery now in custody
Both suspects have been taken into custody, according to an update Friday night from Bleckley County Sheriff Daniel Cape.
UPDATE: Both suspects have been taken into custody, according to an update Friday night from Bleckley County Sheriff Daniel Cape.
“Once again, this was an outstanding group effort from the three law enforcement agencies involved who worked continuously to ensure Bleckley County was safe from these suspects,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
The second suspect was identified as Jordan Branche. Cape says both Cody and Branch were arrested in September 2024 for drug distribution and firearm charges.
COCHRAN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – An armed robbery at Briarwood Apartments in Cochran on Friday night led to a pursuit, a search warrant at Middle Georgia State University and charges against one suspect, according to Bleckley County Sheriff Daniel Cape.
The Bleckley County Sheriff’s Office responded after the victim pursued two suspects to a Wendy’s restaurant before stopping to watch them run toward the university. Law enforcement identified one of the suspects, Christopher Cody, based on evidence left at the scene and witness descriptions, Cape wrote in a Facebook post.
The sheriff’s office obtained a search warrant for Cody’s dorm room, where investigators say they recovered clothing worn and weapons used during the robbery, suspected marijuana, and items associated with drug distribution.
The Cochran Police Department is seeking arrest warrants for Cody on multiple charges, including armed robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm with altered serial numbers, possession of a firearm within a school safety zone and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Additional charges are possible, Sheriff Cape said.
The second suspect has not been identified, “but we feel confident we will have him identified soon,” Cape wrote.
Middle Georgia State University issued a Knight Alert Friday night:
“Safety Alert- Cochran Campus – Shelter In Place
Reports indicate an armed robbery at the Wendy’s adjacent to the Cochran Campus. Police activity has increased in the area. The suspects, two African American males, were last seen fleeing on foot near campus. One suspect was wearing a black jacket and gray shorts. Students, faculty, and staff are advised to shelter in place until further notice. Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately to MGA Police at 478 471 2414. An all-clear message will be sent once it is safe to resume normal activities.”
The investigation is being worked by the Bleckley County Sheriff’s Office, Cochran Police Department and the Middle Georgia State University Police Department.
Sheriff Cape urged Cody to surrender. “And Mr Cody, If you’re reading this, I encourage you to come turn yourself in immediately, if not sooner, and bring your buddy with ya.!” he wrote.
The City of Cochran also acknowledged the ongoing investigation Friday night.
“The City is aware of an armed robbery reported at the Wendy’s near MGA’s Cochran Campus,” a social media post stated. “Our police department is actively investigating. While we understand public concern, we’re limiting details to protect the ongoing investigation. We appreciate MGA’s swift communication to their campus community. The City Council and Police Department are monitoring the situation. Updates will be provided when possible without compromising the investigation. Anyone with information should contact City of Cochran PD.”
Anyone with information should call 911 or the Bleckley County Sheriff’s Office at (478) 934-4545.
