Suspect identified in strong-arm robbery

Jason Wells

Laurel County Sheriff’s deputies have identified a suspect in a strong-arm robbery that occurred about noon Tuesday in southeastern Laurel County.

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer, said the suspect, is 37-year-old Jason Wells of Lily, remains on the run.

Acciardo said deputies were called to the Corner Market at the intersection of Ky. 233 and Ky. 1223 near the Laurel/Knox County line in response to a complaint about the robbery.

“They were acquainted with him at the store,” Acciardo said when asked how Wells had been identified.

The store clerk reportedly told deputies that the perpetrator had come in and asked the clerk for change for a $100 bill.

“The clerk had a bank bag down under the counter that he was trying to make the change from,” Acciardo said, adding that the robber grabbed the bag and ran out the door to a waiting Chevrolet Monte Carlo and fled the scene on Ky. 1223.

Acciardo said the vehicle is described as blue in color with one of the fenders painted red.

An unidentified female was a passenger in the vehicle.

Wells last known address is on Old State Road.

Anyone with information concerning the vehicle or the occupants is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at (606) 864-6600 or (606) 878-7000.

Callers may remain anonymous.