Preliminary hearing set for July 5

SOUTH POINT — A Kitts Hill man and a Coal Grove man are behind bars, charged in connection with the holdup of the Clark’s Pump N Shop gasoline station on County Road 144, South Point Friday.

Shawn A Morrison, 18, of 414 County Road 54, Kitts Hill, and Jonathan D. Lyons, 18, of 103 Bowman St., Coal Grove, are each charged with first- degree aggravated robbery.

According to information from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, a clerk at the store told deputies that late Friday evening, a man came inside the store and purchased a can of soft drink with pocket change. He left but returned shortly thereafter and allegedly brandished a large knife and demanded money. He then fled on foot in the direction of the Lawrence County Airpark.

Deputy Brian Chaffins said in his report the clerk described the knife as “a big Rambo style” knife with an eight-inch blade.

A short time later an unidentified man told deputies he thought a man named Jonathan from Coal Grove had been the getaway driver and gave a description of the vehicle he thought was used.

On Saturday, Lyons reportedly went to the sheriff’s office and told deputies he had information about the robbery.

Lyons allegedly first told deputies Morrison had stolen money from his girlfriend and, when confronted, Morrison agreed to pay back the money if Lyons would drive him to an uncle’s house to get money. Lyons also said alleged girlfriend had gotten a call from Morrison who threatened both of them if either told anyone about the robbery.

Deputies then questioned Morrison, “At first he denied knowing about or having a part in the robbery,” the sheriff’s report said. “He (Morrison) states he has never been at that BP. He states he only goes to the BP on State Route 243.” But then Morrison allegedly changed his story and admitted to his part in the robbery, the sheriff’s report said. Morrison then allegedly admitted he took a knife and robbed the store and that he and Lyons had split the money between them.

Lyons later admitted his involvement as well, the sheriff’s report said.

Morrison and Lyons were arraigned Monday in Lawrence County Municipal Court. Judge Donald Capper set Morrison’s bond and ordered him to return to court July 5 for a preliminary hearing. Morrison hired Mike Gleichauf as his attorney.

Lyons’ bond was also set and he, too, must return to court July 5 for a preliminary hearing. Capper appointed attorney J.T. Holt to represent Lyons.