Edwards

The alleged girlfriend of Ian Coles, wanted in last week’s armed robbery and beating of two elderly women, has been charged with obstructing justice in the case.

Roanoke Rapids Deputy Police Chief Adam Bondarek said Sharona Edwards, 35, allegedly lied to investigators about the case and was jailed on $4,000 bond.

Investigators continue to look for Coles, who is believed to be in the area.

Last Thursday he allegedly entered F and F Rentals around 12:15 through the back door and attempted to rob the store’s two female employees. He used pepper spray on them and struck a 67-year-old female employee in the head with the shotgun he allegedly carried inside the business.

Coles fled on foot with their purses and officers are searching for him.He is wanted for two counts of armed robbery and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

The victims are recovering from their injuries.

Law enforcement is familiar with Coles, who in June led officers on a foot chase to the roof of an apartment building in the same block where Thursday's robbery occurred.

Coles made a 20 foot downward leap to the roof of another building.He was captured and jailed. He was wanted for a June 14 shooting into occupied property.

Members of the department’s A squad received information he was hiding and located him at a downtown area apartment.

Officers searched the apartment and noticed an open window. The open window led officers to roof where Coles was running.

When he came to the end of the building he jumped 20 feet down onto the roof of another building.

Officers pursued and caught him, charging him with communicating threats, escape from custody and discharging a weapon into occupied property.

Coles was also arrested in a purse snatching that occurred in the parking lot of the downtown Food Lion last year.  He was charged with aid and abet robbery with a dangerous weapon and possession of stolen property.