FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Statesville man has been charged with robbing a clerk at the Love’s Truck Stop on Mocksville Highway.

The Statesville Police Department announced the arrest of Joseph Clarence Ioerger, 35, in a news release Friday.

The charges stem from an armed robbery that occurred on June 20. On that date, SPD officers responded to the Love’s Truck Stop, located at 229 Mocksville Highway, after receiving a 911 call.

An individual who was described as a white male with his face covered entered the store, pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded money, police said. The gunman also requested several packs of cigarettes, according to the news release.

The suspect departed the store with $560 in cash, several packs of cigarettes, and four energy drinks, police said.

The SPD Violent Crime Unit initiated an investigation into the incident and Ioerger was identified as a suspect, according to the news release.

On July 6, members of the Violent Crime Unit went to 733 Crestridge Road in Statesville, where Ioerger was believed to be located. Officers were informed that Ioerger was not home, but he later emerged from the woods on a 4-wheeler and approached the officers, according to the news release.

The officers showed Ioerger a picture of himself inside the Love’s Truck Stop, which he confirmed was him, police said.

When officers attempted to arrest Ioerger by asking him to place his hands behind his back. he resisted arrest and stated that he was not going to jail, police said.

Offices searched Ioerger and found a 9mm Ruger, two loaded magazines, and two Carolina Panthers rings in his shorts pockets, police said. These items had been reported stolen by his stepfather the day before, according to the news release.

The Violent Crime Unit contacted investigators from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, who arrive at the scene to assist. They obtained a search warrant for Ioerger’s residence at 733 Crestridge Road. During the search, several items that had been reported stolen were recovered, police said.

Following his arrest, Ioerger was taken before a magistrate and charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Ioerger received a $170,000 secured bond.

Additional charges are pending, police said.

The SPD expressed its gratitude to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.