Two robbery suspects were caught early this morning after a Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office deputy and his K-9 tracked the men's scent through the woods.

Traver Denzel Walker, 18, and Kori Stephen Kelley, 20, were charged with armed robbery after three Ukrop's employees were held at gunpoint about 3:22 this morning, said Lt. Eddie Peck of the Sheriff's Office.

Peck said the victims were standing outside of the grocery store on a break when the robbers came up to them, held them at gunpoint and stole their cash, cell phones and personal items.

The suspects then fled on foot toward the area of General Semmes Drive and Old Salem Church Road, Peck said.

He said Deputy D. Myrick and his K-9 began tracking the scent and followed it into a wooded area off Salem Church Road.

Walker was found hiding in a pond, filled mostly with mud, and Kelley was found hiding in thick brush, with his feet dangling into the water, Peck said.

He said the men were lucky they weren’t bitten by the large amount of water snakes that typically fill the pond.

As Myrick and the K-9 were searching for the suspects, they found shoes, a black ski mask and a shirt determined to belong to the men. The gun used in the robbery was also recovered, Peck said.

Both Walker and Kelley were charged with wearing a mask in public, conspiracy and three counts each of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and armed robbery.

Kelley was additionally charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Both men are being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Ellen Biltz: 540/374-5424
ebiltz@freelancestar.com