Cooper County deputies were dispatched to the Eagle Stop gas station on Highway 135 after reports of a robbery with a sledgehammer on August 5.

The suspect allegedly entered the store and struck a “casino style” game with the sledgehammer. The suspect then fled from the area in a vehicle with an undisclosed amount of US Currency.

Shortly after the initial incident, deputies were notified by neighboring agencies that similar robberies had occurred in their jurisdictions. Those agencies were able to help identify the suspect and suspect vehicles. The suspect vehicle was located in Boone County and Boone County deputies initiated a traffic stop which ultimately led to the arrest and seizure of evidence related to the Eagle Stop robbery.

The suspect, identified as Andrew Poelker, was brought back to Cooper County and placed on a 24-hour-hold. Court documents say Poelker is charged with a felony for robbery in the first degree. Bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety.

Photo courtesy of Cooper County Sheriff’s Office