*Man charged in convenience store robberies

View larger image Joshua James Steven Turner View larger image This is a surveillance still from Monday’s robbery at Handy Mart on Valley Avenue. Courtesy View larger image This is a surveillance still from Monday’s robbery at Handy Mart on Valley Avenue. Daily

By Alex Bridges -- abridges@nvdaily.com

WINCHESTER -- Authorities say a Stephens City area man has confessed to robbing two convenience stores on Monday.

Joshua James Steven Turner, 26, was arrested Wednesday on warrants obtained by the Frederick County Sheriff's Office with the assistance of the Northwest Regional Drug Task Force, according to Sgt. Frank Myrtle, of the Winchester Police Department.

City police obtained warrants Thursday morning charging Turner in the subsequent robbery in Winchester, Myrtle said.

Turner is accused of robbing clerks at Bo's Express, 3612 Valley Pike, in Frederick County, and then Handy Mart, 2605 Valley Ave., Winchester, approximately three hours later.

"He was interviewed by investigator [K.C.] Bohrer, of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, and admitted to his involvement," Myrtle said.

Authorities credited residents who gave tips about the suspect's identity after seeing the man in surveillance footage law enforcement released Wednesday, according to Myrtle. In both incidents, authorities say Turner assaulted the clerks before taking an undisclosed amount of cash and fleeing the scene.

Turner is being held without bond at the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center.

Deputies with the Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a robbery and assault at Bo's Express, 3612 Valley Pike, which occurred shortly before 3:45 a.m. Monday, according Capt. John Heflin.

"Basically through the tips we received from citizens we were able to establish that he was the individual in the video," Myrtle said.

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