A Clanton man has been arrested in Louisiana on charges of robbing the Pizza Hut across from Chilton County High School back in April 2008.

Johnathon James Whitman, 18, was arrested in Vernon Parish, near the Louisiana-Texas line, according to Clanton Police Chief Brian Stilwell.

Whitman allegedly robbed a Pizza Hut manager of a nightly bank deposit a little after midnight on April 6, 2008.

He was reportedly armed with a semiautomatic handgun.

The suspect fled on foot and was tracked by Clanton and Jemison police using thermal imaging to where police think a getaway car was waiting, Stilwell said.

Clanton police received a tip last week that helped them name Whitman a suspect in the robbery.

He was found already in custody in Leesville, La.

Detectives worked with the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office to secure enough evidence for an arrest warrant.

“We can’t thank the Vernon Parrish Sheriff’s Office enough in helping us close this case,” said Stilwell. “Without their help, I don’t know when, if ever, this case would have come to a close.”

Whitman waived extradition to Alabama and is currently in the Chilton County Jail on $30,000 bond.