MARION, Ind. — Police in Marion have arrested a local man following an armed robbery at a south-side gas station late Wednesday night, an incident that also led to additional drug-related charges.
According to the Marion Police Department, officers were dispatched around 10:40 p.m. after receiving a 911 call reporting a robbery at McClure’s gas station, located at 2915 S. Adams St.
Investigators say a store clerk told officers that a man later identified as Mack Lathion IV, 35, entered the store and demanded cash while displaying a knife. The clerk reported noticing the knife protruding from the pocket of the suspect’s hoodie as he made his demands.
Police said the suspect also asked for a pack of Newport cigarettes and grabbed a lighter from a nearby shelf before leaving the store. The clerk told officers the suspect fled the scene in a blue pickup truck.
Surveillance video from inside the gas station was reviewed, and images of the suspect were distributed to patrol officers in the area as the search began.
About an hour after the robbery, an officer spotted a blue pickup truck matching the description near the intersection of 31st and Washington streets. Police say the officer initiated a traffic stop and recognized the driver as the robbery suspect.
Investigators said Lathion initially attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by officers. During the brief chase, police allege he discarded a knife and a sock hat.
A search of the pickup truck reportedly uncovered an unopened pack of Newport cigarettes and a lighter consistent with items taken during the robbery. Officers also said Lathion was found in possession of drug paraphernalia and a small amount of crack cocaine.
Police noted that Lathion was taken to a local hospital for treatment before being transported to the police department. Investigators said he later confessed to committing the armed robbery.
Lathion now faces preliminary charges including armed robbery, resisting law enforcement, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Grant County Jail, where he remains held pending further court proceedings.
Court records indicate formal charging decisions will be made as the case moves through the legal process. Authorities have not released information about a potential court date.
Police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and encouraged anyone with additional information related to the case to contact local law enforcement.
