Categories: News

UPDATED: CAPTURED – Sheriff’s Office seeks public’s help in identifying armed robber

HAYESVILLE, NC – An armed robbery occurred at the Hayesville Big D gas station on Saturday, May 11, 2019.

Clay County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a white male, approximately 5’7 in height, wearing black clothing at the time of the incident, with “Mossy Oak” printed on the back of the shirt.

Video surveillance of vehicle from Big D gas station

The vehicle involved in the crime was reported as a Jeep Compass, dark in color.

Law enforcement asks anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of the subject to dial 911, cautioning citizens to not approach the subject.

UPDATED, 5/13/19

Two days after the armed robbery of the Big D in Hayesville, both suspects are now in custody. In the late afternoon hours of Monday May 13th, a Cherokee County Investigator stopped with a black colored late model Jeep Compass matching the exact description of the suspect vehicle used in the convenience store robbery Saturday. Danny Fowler and Jennifer Kovacs both of Franklin were located in the vehicle and were held at the scene, less than 6 miles from the TN state line, until Clay County Investigators could arrive and make positive identification.

Information received early on in the investigation positively identified the vehicle as a Jeep Compass. Investigators spent most of Monday combing through DMV records looking to further a lead that provided a partial NC tag number given by witnesses. Additionally, hours were spent following up on leads in Macon County as well as reviewing numerous security cameras in the area. This is still an ongoing investigation and as factual information develops updates will be released. At this time Fowler and Kovacs are being held at the Clay County Detention Center while investigators continue to process evidence.

Towns Co Content Specialist