Two Charged in Robbery Investigation

An update was provided Friday regarding a robbery at the Dollar General on Gatch Hill Road.

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(Aurora, Ind.) - The Dearborn County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of two suspects connected to an armed robbery at the Dollar General on Gatch Hill Road. 

Robert Harden III, 27, of Aurora, and Samantha Brewer, 40 of Lawrenceburg, are facing multiple charges following the incident on February 14. 

Harden has been charged with Armed Robbery (Aiding, Inducing, or Causing an Offense) a Level 3 Felony, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery a Level 3 Felony, Burglary of a Dwelling a Level 4 Felony, and Conspiracy to Commit Auto Theft a Level 4 Felony.

Brewer is facing charges of Armed Robbery (Aiding, Inducing, or Causing an Offense) a Level 3 Felony, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery a Level 3 Felony, and Conspiracy to Commit Auto Theft a Level 4 Felony.

At the time of the incident, detectives learned that a male entered the Dollar General, brandished a knife, and demanded money from the cash register. The suspect then removed cash from the register and fled the store. An extensive search of the area was conducted by multiple police agencies. Law enforcement was unable to locate the suspect(s).

As the investigation continued, the Dearborn County Sheriff’s Office made contact with a homeowner on Gatch Hill Road in close proximity to the Dollar General and reviewed camera footage. A vehicle was observed travelling down Gatch Hill away from the Dollar General minutes before the robbery occurred.

Immediately following the time frame of the robbery, the vehicle headlights come on, and a subject is observed running toward and entering the vehicle, according to a press release. 

The suspect vehicle was identified as belonging to an individual who had recently been arrested by the Dearborn County Sheriff's Office days prior at the Hillcrest Motel on U.S. 50 in Aurora. The vehicle had been taken from the motel without the consent of the owner. Through video surveillance, Harden was identified by motel staff as the individual who took the vehicle. He had been a resident and employee at the motel and was in possession of a master key which gave him access to all rooms. 

On February 18, the Sheriff's Office was contacted by Lexington Police Department in Kentucky, who advised that the suspect vehicle had been located. Lexington Police conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver, Samantha Brewer and passenger, Robert Harden. 

Brewer told investigators she thought Harden was meeting someone to sell drugs. Harden had Brewer park on the side of Gatch Hill Road. Harden then walked toward the Dollar General. A few moments later, Harden came running towards the truck. Harden got in the passenger side and Brewer drove away.

Both are in custody in Lexington. 

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