Sheriff’s deputies arrest man Tuesday wanted in connection with 2011 robbery

Whitley County Sheriff’s Deputies apprehended a Williamsburg man on I-75 Tuesday afternoon, who was wanted in connection with an alleged armed robbery that happened about 10 months ago in rural eastern Whitley County.

Deputy Shawn Jackson was working on I-75 as part of a drug interdiction team along with Kentucky State Police when he arrested Wesley Goins Jr., 38, of Rabbit Run Road, charging him with first-degree robbery and giving an officer a false name.

The robbery charge stems from a March 13 break-in at Joe Barnhill’s residence on 4040 Highway 904E, Sheriff Colan Harrell said in a press release.

Last March, Sgt. Ken Shepherd noted that the victim was in bed when he heard someone break into his house, retrieved a .32 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun, and went to investigate.

Shepherd said that Barnhill was able to immediately identify the intruder as Wesley Goins Jr., who lived about half a mile away and is known to walk the roads in the area.

Barnhill tried to shoot Goins, but because of the age and condition of the gun, it wouldn’t fire.

"There was a fight between the two. Wesley actually disarmed Mr. Barnhill, and assaulted him with his weapon," Shepherd said. "I don’t think he expected anybody to be there. There weren’t any lights on."

Goins allegedly left the scene on foot, and authorities had been searching for him until Jackson recognized him Tuesday afternoon.

Goins was lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center.