Cross-dressing crook charged with robbery | Crime

A Kennett woman faces charges after police say she robbed a local store dressed as a man.

The hold-up happened around 9 o'clock Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Family Dollar Store, 401 First St. in Kennett.

Lt. Tim Trowbridge says a woman wearing a male disguise entered the store and flashed a black pistol.  He says she then ordered the clerks to empty the cash registers.  During the robbery, Trowbridge says the woman also pulled out a knife.  After stealing the cash, Trowbridge says the woman ran off behind the building.

After canvassing the neighborhood and questioning witnesses, he says officers identified Courtney Smith, 21 of Kennett, as a suspect.  Early Sunday morning officers located Smith.  Trowbridge says during questioning Smith admitted her involvement in the robbery.  He added that officers found items used in the robbery.

Smith is being held in the Dunklin County Jail.  She's charged with first degree robbery and armed criminal action.

Photo provided by the Kennett Police Department.