Corbin police catch robbery suspect who was hiding in drainage system

Corbin Police spent more than 20 minutes chasing down a man who allegedly grabbed a handful of cash from a customer at the Speedway store on U.S. 25W and then fled on foot.

Police were called to the scene about 2:15 p.m. Thursday after Wesley Burt Varga, 31, North Corbin, grabbed the cash and fled on foot toward McDonald’s where he jumped a guardrail.

Several witnesses pursued Varga, but returned to the store when they lost sight of him.

The victim told police the perpetrator was about 20, bald, wearing a black T-shirt, blue jeans, no shoes and had a piercing in his eyebrow.

Police began searching for Varga in the woods and watershed tunnels near Interstate 75.

Over the radio, officers could be heard questioning which side of the interstate Varga was on and whether he may be up near The Lion’s Den Restaurant.

Over the radio, police reported that a by-stander at McDonald’s said Varga was in the area.

Police caught up with Varga ash he exited a manhole behind Applebee’s and took him into custody.

Varga was charged with second-degree robbery and lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center.