By Travis Thayer (Ripley County, Ind.) – A Batesville man has received prison time for holding up a gas station in Ripley County over two years ago. Derek Douglas, 21, pleaded guilty to Armed Robbery (Level 3 felony) on April 17 in Ripley County Circuit Court. At the sentencing hearing, Douglas admitted to using a handgun to rob a cashier at Huck’s gas station in February 2015. Douglas initially got away from the scene on foot, but a police K9 helped track Douglas to an apartment building approximately two block from the robbery scene. His attorney argued that the crime was a ‘poor, impulsive decision’ that was unlikely to recur. However, Ripley County Prosecutors pointed out that Douglas’ robbery was premeditated. According to court documents, Douglas admitted during cross-examination that he had talked to a friend about committing a robbery prior to the crime, and wore a mask and hooded sweatshirt to hide his identity. Therefore, the Circuit Court Judge sentenced Douglas to 10 years behind bars with three years suspended to probation. “The police were able to apprehend the suspect, and within hours of the robbery, obtaining a full confession, said Ric Hertel, Ripley County Prosecutor. “Their efforts and professionalism were the driving force behind solving this case.” RELATED STORIES: Armed Robbery Suspect Located With Police Dog’s Help
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