Two former Ingles employees have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery at a Newton County store on Saturday, police said.

Jahmar Smith, 28, of Covington, and Lamont Castleberry, 29, were arrested and charged in connection with a robbery in the 9000 block of U.S. 278, Covington police spokesman Capt. Ken Malcom said.

"We have recovered a weapon, an amount of cash and clothing that we believe are related to this case," Malcom said.

The store manager and an employee were taking the morning deposit to the bank about 7 a.m. when they were approached by an armed man in a ski mask and dark clothing.

When the armed man demanded money, the manager fired a shot toward him.

The man, who may have been struck by the gunshot, returned fire, Malcom said. The man shot three times at the truck but did not hit the manager.  

Both Smith and Castleberry were being held at the Newton County jail Sunday.