Duo arrested in connection with Thursday armed robbery

 A Corbin area duo was arrested Thursday in connection with the armed robbery of a Good Samaritan.

Thirty-five-year-old Wayne Hoskins of Corbin and 37-year-old Crystal Edwards of Gray are each facing charges of first-degree robbery.

According to Whitley County Sheriff Colan Harrell, Sgt. Kirk Mays and Deputy James Fox responded to a complaint from the victim that he had been robbed at gunpoint by two individuals at a residence on Old Corbin Road in Woodbine.

The victim, identified as Michael Utley, reportedly told deputies that he had met the male, later identified as Hoskins, at a gas station off of exit 29 in Laurel County.

“He said the male subject claimed to be homeless and ask for a ride to Walmart to pick up his girlfriend who was panhandling there,” Harrell stated.

Utley agreed, picking up the female, later identified as Edwards, and driving them to a residence on Old Corbin Road.

Once they arrived at the residence, Hoskins allegedly came around the vehicle, pulled out a gun and demanded Utley’s keys, wallet and cash.

A fight ensued during which Utley reportedly knocked the gun from the robber’s hand and knocked him to the ground.

The woman reportedly attempted to come to Hoskins’ aid. However, Utley stated he was able to get back into his car and flee the scene.

Hoskins allegedly threw a rock through the car window as Utley drove away.

Harrell stated that Mays received a tip that Hoskins and Edwards were at a residence on Main Street in Corbin.

With assistance from Corbin Police, deputies went to the residence where they found the duo hiding. Both were arrested without incident.

In addition to the robbery charge, Hoskins was charged with second-degree criminal mischief in connection with the rock.

Upon arrival at the Whitley County Detention Center, deputy jailers reportedly found a small plastic baggy containing a crystal substance believed to be ICE inside Edwards’ purse.

As a result, Edwards was also charged with first-degree promoting contraband.