In a preliminary hearing before General Sessions Court Judge Clarence Shattuck, witnesses testified that Roderick Smith was the man who came into the downtown Marriott and a McDonald's with a gun, demanding money.
Marriott employee Gary Williams said the defendant came into the hotel shortly after 5 a.m on Aug. 12. He said he held a gun straight up in the air and told him to open the cash register. When Williams told him he did not have the key, he said the defendant left.
Co-defendant Kevin Perkins, accused of driving Smith to each robbery location, waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
An employee from the Third Street McDonald's said Smith came in the store several times. She said he would make an order then tell her he did not have money.
On the third time, she said he pulled out a gun. She gave him the contents of the cash register. Another employee said when Smith fled, he chased him down the street.
Detective Michael Early said he arrived on the scene after the two suspects were in custody. He said one man had $76 in cash and the other had $80.
Judge Shattuck said, "The court does find there is sufficient probable cause," before he bound the case over to a grand jury.