SUBJECT: Robbery Arrest
RELEASE NUMBER: 2014-NR-026
CONTACT: Sgt. Nathan Sugarman
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Eric Williams
On Monday March 24, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of N. St. Joseph Avenue and Mill Road for an individual who had been beaten and robbed. The victim, James Sellers of Evansville, told responding deputies that he had been at a nearby storage unit with three males he knew; Jon Schmitt, John Owen and a juvenile male. At the storage unit Sellers was attacked by Schmitt, Owen and the juvenile. They choked him, forced him to the ground, where they continued to kick him in the head. During the struggle one of the assailants pulled out a knife and threatened to cut Sellers if he did not stop fighting. Sellers complied and was forced to handover a large sum of money he had on his person. The victim sustained a large laceration to the head and bruising over a large portion of his body.
Deputies obtained arrest warrants for Schmitt and Owen for robbery, theft and battery with a deadly weapon. Deputies arrested both men earlier today.
Additionally, sheriff’s investigators executed a search warrant at Jon Schmitt’s residence today. Several items relating to the robbery were recovered. Both men were taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail following their arrests. Schmitt’s bond is $40,000 cash only. Owen’s bond is $10,000 cash only.
An arrest of the juvenile suspect is expected.
ARRESTED
- Jon Brody Schmitt, 24 YOA, Evansville IN
- John Eric Owen, 24 YOA, Mt Vernon IN
CHARGES
- Robbery – B felony, Battery with a Deadly Weapon – C felony and Theft – D felony
VICTIM
- James Sellers, 24 YOA, Evansville IN
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