ROBBERY SUSPECT: Jumps Into Des Moines River

Navdeep Kaur is a mother of two, and the co-owner of H&A Mini Mart on University Avenue in Des Moines.

“It`s been quite a while since we`ve had this station. We own this place,” said Kaur.

At 1:30 Saturday afternoon, she was working the register when she says 31 year old Perry Lomax asked to purchase a bottle of alcohol.

What happened next had her fearing for her life.

“I give it to him, he paid me, and as soon as I tried to put it in the bag, he grabbed my neck and said you better open the door or I`ll kill you. You have one minute,” Kaur told Channel 13 News.

Police say Lomax then stole money and cigarettes but didn’t leave until he left Kaur one final message.

“You better go back into the corner and don`t come out and don`t call the cops or I`ll kill you.”

‘His next move was just as shocking. He ran to the Des Moines River, hoping to swim to freedom, but instead, he swam right into the hands of the Des Moines Police.’

Lomax`s escape came to a halt when an off duty officer traveling west on I-235 spotted him below the bridge.

Other officers surrounded and arrested him minutes later.

“He stayed about 15 feet out in the river for about 10 minutes or so until he was able to be talked in,” said Des Moines Police Captain, David Huberty.

Catching Lomax may help police solve two crimes. They say he’s their prime suspect in the robbery of another convenience store just three days ago.

For Kaur, it`s a relief that this suspect is behind bars.

“I hope they keep inside. They don`t need people out here who are trying to rob people,” said Kaur.

Lomax has been charged with 2nd degree robbery and interference. The store clerk says she was not injured.