Suspect in cigarette thefts arrested; three Lawrence stores reported robberies

Lawrence police arrested a suspect Sunday morning following robberies at three Lawrence stores in which cigarettes were taken.

Jamisha Laron Misirlija, 32, is accused of stealing cartons of cigarettes in the following three incidents:

• 7:35 p.m. Saturday: A suspect walked behind the counter at the Kwik Shop, 845 Mississippi St., and allegedly stole three cartons of cigarettes before fleeing.

• 10:30 p.m. Saturday: A suspect told a cashier at the Zarco 66 at Ninth and Iowa streets to keep the drawer open and hand over money. However, the cashier shut the drawer, at which point the suspect allegedly battered the employee. The suspect fled after another customer entered the store, but on her way out, the suspect reportedly stole two cartons of cigarettes.

• 4:51 a.m. Sunday: A suspect walked behind the counter at Dillons, 1015 W. 23rd St., and allegedly stole 12 cartons of cigarettes, valued at more than $600.

Police identified the suspect in the three cases using surveillance video footage, later setting up a perimeter near the suspect’s home before arresting Misirlija.

Misirlija is being held on aggravated robbery, theft and battery charges. Bond has not yet been set.