Woodbine man charged in robbery/thefts at High Top boat ramp

A Woodbine man was arrested Sunday morning for allegedly robbing a man at knifepoint at the High Top boat ramp parking area and breaking into three vehicles that were parked there.

According to Whitley County Sheriff Colan Harrell, Deputy Brian Hensley arrested 29-year-old Isiah Canada.

Harrell said Hensley was called to the area off of Falls Hwy. about 5:30 a.m. in response to a complaint of a suspicious person.

Hensley initially spoke with a man, later identified as Canada, who claimed ownership of a vehicle in the parking lot. However, as Henlsey continued the investigation, a man approached him, claiming that he had been robbed at knifepoint.

“The victim provided a physical description that matched Canada’s appearance,” Harrell stated. “The victim also described items taken from him, including a cell phone, keys and his shoes.”

Harrell stated that fuses were also removed from the vehicle’s fuse box. Hensley reported finding those items, including the fuses, in Canada’s possession.

As the investigation continued, another man reported to Hensley that his vehicle had also been burglarized and that items, later found in Canada’s possession, had been taken.

“Also missing from the vehicle was the car’s battery, and a battery was located along the road,” Harrell stated.

A third person approached Hensley to report her vehicle had also been burglarized and items missing included a cell phone and jewelry.

“Deputy Hensley found items matching the victim’s description in Canada’s possession,” Harrell stated.

Hensley reported finding damage to a van in the area with damage to the steering column consistent with the attempted theft of a vehicle.

Hensley reported finding a knife and .25-caliber handgun on Canada’s person.

Canada was charged with first-degree robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felony, carrying a concealed weapon, tampering with physical evidence, attempt theft by unlawful taking of an automobile, first-degree criminal mischief, receiving stolen property of the value under $500 and theft by unlawful taking of auto parts.

Canada is being held in the Whitley County Detention Center on a $15,000 cash bond.

Harrell said anyone who may have been the victim of a similar theft attempt in the area between August 27 and 28 to contact the sheriff’s department at 549-6017.

Hensley is continuing the investigation.

Hensley was assisted at the scene by Deputy Joe Prewitt and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Officer Tom Land.