CAHOKIA — A man accused of wielding a butcher knife during a gas station robbery on Wednesday was charged with armed robbery Friday.

Suavay Robinson, 24, of the 200 block of St. Christopher in Cahokia, was charged by the St. Clair County State's Attorney's office. He will be arraigned later Friday. A judge set bail for Robinson at $500,0000.

Police Chief James Jones said the suspect went into the BP gas station at 1689 Camp Jackson Road at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday.

"The suspect was able to distract the female clerk who was behind the counter at the store for a moment," Jones said. "He then jumped over the counter and displayed a butcher knife and another knife, threatened the unnamed attendant with the knives while he was demanding her to turn over to him the store's money."

The suspect ran from the store. Officers were able to locate him near the intersection of Dorcas at Kenneth streets, Jones said.

Police recovered both knives and an undisclosed amount of money.

Contact reporter Carolyn P. Smith at 239-2503.