Mack said this is just one of the many things the police department is doing to keep the city safe and Laurel’s overall crime rate down.

“Every time something happens, the police department puts its full support behind solving that crime,” Mack said. “It sends the message that if you break the law in Laurel, you will go to jail.”

Reaves said the incident is still under investigation.

However, officials did confirm that a firearm, believed to have been used in the robbery, has been recovered.

Officials said Gandy and Byrd were scheduled to make their initial court appearances before Laurel Municipal Judge Cecila Arnold this week.

Officials said the penalty for armed robbery carries a sentence of 10 years to life in prison.