Sheriff Ronnie Fields has announced the arrest of four individuals, including a minor, after an investigation of an armed robbery that took place in Aberdeen on February 26, 2024.

Authorities were called to a residence in the 200 block of Hazelwood Drive in Aberdeen. According to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, they were able to determine that multiple armed assailants forcibly entered the victim’s residence with the intent to rob the occupants. They also say this does not appear to be a random act of violence, and no injuries were sustained during the commission of the crime.

The people identified to have allegedly committed the robbery were arrested over the last month, and are listed below:

• On March 15, 2024, a juvenile was charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Conspiracy, Second Degree Kidnapping, Breaking or Entering, and Felony Larceny. The juvenile was transferred to the custody of Juvenile Justice.

• On March 27, 2024, sheriff’s investigators arrested Cameron Wardell McNeill, 19, of Southern Pines, North Carolina. McNeill was charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Conspiracy, Second Degree Kidnapping, Breaking or Entering, Felony Larceny, and Possession of Stolen Goods. McNeill was committed to the Moore County Detention Center under a $200,000.00 secured bond and has a Moore County District Court date of April 24, 2024.

• On April 2, 2024, sheriff’s investigators arrested Zykia Nicole Matthews, 21, of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Matthews was charged with Felony Conspiracy and Aiding and Abetting an Armed Robbery. Matthews was committed to the Moore County Detention Center under a 100,000.00 secured bond and has a Moore County District Court date of April 25, 2024.

• On April 16, 2024, sheriff’s investigators arrested Octavius Purcell, 19, of Coats, North Carolina. Purcell was charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Conspiracy, Second Degree Kidnapping, Breaking or Entering, Felony Larceny, and Possession of Stolen Goods. Purcell was committed to the Moore County Detention Center under no bond. Purcell has a Moore County District Court date of April 25, 2024.

The Sheriff’s Office says that the investigation into this incident is ongoing, and more arrest are possible.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Information and photos in this article were contributed by the Moore County Sheriff’s Office.