Date: 02-12-2016
Tried to steal roll of hamburger and a pork tenderloin
Man facing robbery charge in attempt to steal meat from grocery
It could be described as “grand theft – meat,” but when a Gray man allegedly started hitting and choking Sav-a-lot employees, who tried to stop him from fleeing the store with a roll of hamburger and a pork tenderloin Wednesday afternoon, it upped the charge to robbery.
Corbin Police arrested 40-year-old Ronnie C. Joyner after finding him at a nearby business.
According to Corbin Police Capt. Coy Wilson, officers were called to the scene about 3:30 p.m. Employees told the officers that Joyner had attempted to flee the store with the meat valued at $41.01 concealed on his person. One employee stated he had been choked and scratched on the neck, while had second had been hit. Joyner then allegedly fled the store, running across the parking lot toward the Liquor Mart.
Wilson reported finding Joyner inside the Liquor Mart and arrested him. However, as Wilson led Joyner toward his cruiser, he stated Joyner began refusing to walk and attempted to pull away. After advising Joyner several times to quit, and Joyner continuing to resist, Wilson stated he took Joyner to the ground.
“Violator had strong odor of alcohol on his person,” Wilson stated in the arrest citation.
Joyner was transferred to the custody of Lt. Jason Moore. Wilson stated that Joyner continued trying to pull away from Moore, resulting in Moore taking him to the ground a second time.
Joyner was charged with second-degree robbery, alcohol intoxication in a public place and resisting arrest and lodged in the Knox County Detention Center.
Joyner is being held on a $25,000 cash bond.
Joyner has pleaded not guilty to the charges and will return to Knox District Court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to present the case to a Knox County grand jury.
Under Kentucky Law, second-degree robbery is a class C felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of five to 10 years.
By Dean Manning
Corbin/Whitley News Journal
