Robert Lee Penn
Two men on probation for aggravated robbery were caught on Sunday night at an East Ridge motel with a stolen car and a gun.
Robert Lee Penn III, 22, of 528 Oak Crest Lane, Hixson, was charged with possession of a firearm by a person with a violent felony conviction.
Trevor Casteel, 21, of 1904 Mulberry St., is facing the same charge as well as theft over $10,000.
At approximately 9:26 p.m., East Ridge Police observed a red 2012 Ford Focus backed into a parking spot at 2281 Camp Jordan Parkway (Motel 6).
Police recognized this vehicle as matching the description of a vehicle stolen from a gas station in Chattanooga one day prior. Police confirmed that the vehicle was stolen and further observed it parked in front of Room #141.
Police checked with a motel clerk who advised that Trevor Casteel had rented this room on Saturday. The clerk also said that Casteel was in a red Ford vehicle at the time of check in, which was documented on the registration form.
Police knocked on Room#141 and observed a black male peek through the window. After approximately a minute, a white female, Sarah Croy, partially opened the door and police observed a short black male rush into the bathroom. Police ordered the party out of the bathroom and identified him as Robert Lee Penn 3rd. Trevor Casteel was additionally located on a bed lying next to a set of keys that were in plain view.
Police said Casteel admitted to arriving at the motel in the stolen vehicle and the keys observed next to his bed were confirmed as the keys to the stolen vehicle. Additionally, police located a document bearing Casteel's name inside of the stolen vehicle. Casteel and Penn both admitted to having personal property in the vehicle.
During a search of the motel room, police found a fully loaded Ruger 9 mm handgun with a chambered round concealed in a towel.
Upon inventory of the stolen vehicle, police located a fully loaded Jennings .22LR firearm in the glove compartment.
Casteel and an older brother were charged with the July 3, 2014, armed robbery of the Dollar Store on 23rd Street.
According to police, Dominique and Trevor Casteel came into the store with pistols, demanding money. The two cashiers working handed them the tills from the cash register, and then they said the men put the money in a drawstring bag and fled.
Bandanas and jackets were recovered in the rear of the business during a search of the area.
After an investigation, police put out warrants for the two brothers. At their home, they discovered guns and clothing matching what was shown on security cameras.
During questioning, Dominique Casteel, 21, admitted to the robbery and identified his 19-year-old brother.
They were charged with aggravated robbery and criminal conspiracy.
Trevor Casteel