A Monroe man received a lengthy prison sentence as a habitual felon in Rowan County Superior Court this week.
On Thursday, Henry Scott Lockhart Jr. was convicted of felony robbery with a dangerous weapon and he admitted his status as a habitual felon.
Assistant District Attorney Tim Gould prosecuted the case and Judge Christopher W. Bragg sentenced Lockhart to a minimum of 90 months (7.5 years) and a maximum of 120 months (10 years) in prison.
On Aug. 15, 2013, officers with the Salisbury Police Department were dispatched to Citgo convenience store on Jake Alexander Boulevard in reference to a panic alarm. The clerk advised that the suspect, later identified as Lockhart, entered the store and brought a can of Bud Ice to the counter and asked for cigarettes.
The clerk said Lockhart made a phone call and left, stating that he needed to get his wallet. A short time later he returned to the store and brought a can of Bud Light to the counter and again asked for cigarettes. The clerk said Lockhart pulled a steak knife and demanded money from the register. The clerk complied.
Lockhart took approximately $185.79, a can of Bud Light and cigarettes before leaving the store. During the investigation, officers reviewed video surveillance and received information that Lockhart was the person involved.
The clerk was able to positively identify Lockhart out of a photo lineup. Lockhart was subsequently arrested in Monroe following a brief foot chase.
Lockhart was previously convicted of felony escape from state prison, felony failure to return hired motor vehicle, and felony fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, among other convictions.