Abbeville police arrest man for attempted armed robbery

Abbeville Police arrested Joshua Willis last Friday after he allegedly tried to take a man’s cell phone at gun point.
The incident took place at 5:15 p.m. on Aug. 29 in the parking lot of Super 1 Foods, located off the Bypass in Abbeville.
Abbeville Police Department Lt. David Hardy said the alleged victim approached Willis, 22, and another unidentified man in the parking lot.
“He approached (Willis and the other man) looking for a guy who is normally with the two of them,” Hardy said. “In the process of trying to get the information from those two, Willis apparently brandished a firearm and pointed it at the guy and demanded his phone.”
The alleged victim noticed a Super 1 worker in the parking lot and started yelling to draw attention. Hardy said Willis and the other subject fled on foot.
Officers apprehended the two men a short time later on Wildcat Drive. Officers found Willis in possession of a 9 mm firearm.
Police charged Willis with Attempted Armed Robbery. After questioning, officers released the second subject.
“The victim stated that the second party who was with Willis did not take part in the attempted robbery,” Hardy said.