Detectives search for suspect in armed robbery after pre-arranged drug deal – KBSI Fox 23 Cape Girardeau News

GRAVES COUNTY, KY (KBSI) — Deputies with the 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 third 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 deputies revealed that a 16-year-old agreed to sell a quantity of THC vape cartridges for $900 to two men. MPs say the deal was made on social media.

When they arrived, the two shoppers wore masks, pulled out a handgun and robbed the teen of the illegal vape cartridges in a backpack.

Law enforcement in the area was notified of the presence of a red Ford Explorer and one of the detectives was able to identify one of the suspects involved: Quanterance Matchem, 18, of western County McCracken.

Shortly after the incident was reported, the Paducah Police Department alerted officers that the suspect vehicle had been seen at a home on Virginia Street.

Graves County deputies went to the home and were able to find the stolen backpack, along with the THC vape cartridges, a loaded gun and one of the masks worn during the robbery by one of the two suspects.

Detectives learned that Matchem knew he was wanted and told a family member that he was on the run and did not intend to turn himself in to authorities. If anyone sees Matchem or knows his location, they are encouraged to call the Graves County Sheriff's Office or other local law enforcement agency.