On January 28, 2024 at 10:34 a.m., Marion Police responded to 420 E. Center St for a report of an armed robbery at the Marion Smoke Shop. A suspect came into the store, brandished a knife, and threatened the clerk with the knife and demanded cash. The suspect then fled the store.
Through their investigation, officers were able to identify the suspect as Kevin Smale, age 37, of Marion. Smale was located and arrested the same day on charges of Aggravated Robbery and Kidnapping out of this incident.
“The men and women of the Marion Police Department are thankful that this violent act did not result in any physical injuries to the victim. These very serious crimes are felony 1 level crimes and can result in lengthy prison sentences. I am thankful that this serious offender is off the street” said Marion Police Chief Jay McDonald