Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ETNA GREEN -ÊA robbery case in Etna Green was solved less than three hours after the crime Monday night.
Shawn Cretcher, an employee of the Freedom Express Station at 109 W. State St., Etna Green, reported an armed robbery around 9 p.m. Thursday, saying that a person between 5-foot-6 and 5-9 in dark clothing entered the store, displayed a handgun and demanded money. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken from the convenience store.
However, when the surveillance video was shown, no such subject was seen inside the store. Instead, the video showed that the subject was smaller and built like a woman, and she did not have a gun.
After further questioning, Cretcher reportedly admitted that he planned to fake the robbery and steal the money to pay outstanding bills.
Cretcher allegedly told police that he called a female friend, Tallulah Marks, 20, of Goshen, and gave her instructions for the robbery. Cretcher reportedly told Marks that he planned to split the money from the robbery with her today.
After his confession to police, Cretcher called Marks and told her to return the money to the police. Marks delivered the money in a paper bag to the police around 12:15 a.m. today. She then gave police a statement.
Cretcher, 20, of 313 W. Center St., Bourbon, was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail on charges of felony theft and false police reporting. He is being held on $2,000 bond.
Marks has not been arrested for her alleged involvement in the incident.
Both Cretcher and Marks reportedly admitted to their involvement with the crime, and all the money from the robbery was recovered.
