Police say the ‘Cafe’ Shooter is behind bars

On Saturday February 6th, Police Detective Ty Hutchins arrested the gunman, Dylon Dave Allen who is accused of shooting the Melanie Inn ‘Cafe’ Convenience Store Clerk Chirag Patel in Rome.

The shooting occurred on January 15th when two men wearing masks walked into the Cafe and fired a single shot into the clerk’s abdomen.  The sole customer in the store was pushed to the ground as the two suspects attempted to open the cash register. After failing to access the cash, the armed assailants then took the wounded clerk’s wallet and other possessions and fled the scene.

Hutchins has been with the Summerville Police Department since 2008 and in the investigations division since July of 2013. Detective Hutchins commented, “we are glad to have the two individuals involved in the shooting and robbery at the Melanie Inn (the Cafe) off of the streets and in custody. It was through a cooperative effort with the GBI, Rome Police Department and the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office that we were able to collect all the evidence, follow up on many leads and make the arrests in this case. We want to thank these agencies for their help keeping our community safe.”

The investigations division of the Summerville Police Department is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses which occur in the City of Summerville.

The clerk, whose fate remains unknown, is still in critical condition at Floyd Medical Center’s ICU.

Arrests made in the case:

Dylon Dave Allen, 18, of 156 Reservoir Street, Rome charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and wearing a mask, hood or device to conceal their identity.

Zaykives Banard McCray, 18, of 200 Ross St., Rome  charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and wearing a mask, hood or device to conceal their identity.