Two arrested in connection to Aurora Dollar General robbery

(AURORA, Ind.) – Two people are behind bars in Kentucky accused of robbing the Dollar General in Aurora on February 14.

Authorities say a man was armed with a knife when he demanded money from the cash register at the store on Gatch Hill Road. 

A manhunt ensued but police were initially unable to locate the suspect. 

A Dearborn County deputy found camera footage from a nearby home that showed a vehicle traveling on Gatch Hill Road around the time of the robbery.

Police say the vehicle parked on the side of the road around the time of the robbery. Immediately after, the headlights came on and the vehicle started traveling on U.S. 50. 

Investigators say they later learned that the vehicle had been taken from the Hillcrest Motel in Aurora without the owners consent. 

“The suspect vehicle was identified as belonging to an individual who had recently been arrested by the Dearborn County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Shane McHenry said. 

Police say they identified 27-year-old Robert Harden III as the person who took the truck.

Motel staff said he was a resident and employee and had not been seen since February 12. 

On February 18, the Lexington Police Department in Kentucky reached out to the Dearborn County Sheriff’s Office. 

Lexington Police said they located the vehicle and it was being driven by 40-year-old Samantha Brewer and Harden was a passenger. 

Dearborn County investigators spoke with Brewer and Harden and said the two suspects traveled to the area of the Aurora Dollar General on February 14.

“Brewer thought Harden was meeting someone to sell drugs. Harden had Brewer park on the side of Gatch Hill Road. Harden then walked toward the Dollar General. A few moments later, Harden came running towards the truck. Harden got in the  passenger side and Brewer drove away,” McHenry said. 

Harden has been charged with Armed Robbery, Conspiracy to  Commit Armed Robbery, Burglary of a Dwelling and Conspiracy to Commit Auto Theft.

Brewer has been charged with Armed Robbery (Aiding, Inducing, or Causing an Offense), Conspiracy  to Commit Armed Robbery, and Conspiracy to Commit Auto Theft.

Both suspects are currently in jail in Lexington.