Detectives searching for suspect in armed robbery after pre-arranged drug deal
GRAVES COUNTY, KY (KBSI) — Deputies with Graves County Sheriff’s Office were called to an armed robbery in progress. The call came from a car passing by, and they told 911 they saw two masked men, armed with a handgun holding a 3rd at gunpoint.
The witness scared the suspects, and they ran from Kentucky Highway 121 and Kentucky Highway 80, in a red Ford Explorer.
Further investigation by the deputies revealed a 16-year-old teen had agreed to sell a quantity of THC vape cartridges for $900 to two men. Deputies say the deal was arranged on social media.
As the two purchasers arrived, they wore masks, pulled out a handgun, and robbed the teenager of the illegal vape cartridges held in a backpack.
Law enforcement agencies around the area were made aware of a red Ford Explorer, and one of the detectives was able to identify one of the suspects involved — 18-year-old Quanterance Matchem from Western McCracken County.
Shortly after the incident was reported, the Paducah Police Department alerted the deputies that the suspect vehicle had been seen at a home on Virginia Street.
Graves County Deputies went to the home and managed to find the stolen backpack, with the THC vape cartridges, a loaded gun, and one of the masks worn in the robbery by one of the two suspects.
Detectives learned that Matchem was aware he was being sought and indicated to a family member he was on the run and had no plans to surrender to authorities. If anyone sees Matchem, or knows of his location, they’re encouraged to call the Graves county Sheriff’s office or any local law enforcement agency.
