Arrest Made in Armed Robbery Case

On June 20, 2023, the Statesville Police Department responded to a 911 call regarding an armed robbery that took place at the Love’s Truck Stop located at 229 Mocksville Hwy in Statesville.  The suspect, a white male with his face covered, entered the store and pointed a handgun at the clerk demanding money.  He also requested several packs of cigarettes.  The suspect departed the store with $560.00 in cash, several packs of cigarettes, and four energy drinks.

The Statesville Police Department Violent Crime Unit initiated an investigation into the incident.  During their investigation, Joseph Clarence Ioerger, a 35-year-old resident of Statesville, was identified as a suspect.  On July 6, 2023, members of the Violent Crime Unit went to 733 Crestridge Road in Statesville where Ioerger was believed to be.  Initially, they were informed that Ioerger was not home, but he later emerged from the woods on a 4-wheeler and approached the officers.

The officers showed Ioerger a picture of himself inside the Love’s Truck Stop, which he confirmed was him.  Officers attempted to arrest Ioerger by asking him to place his hands behind his back.  However, Ioerger resisted arrest, stating that he was not going to jail.  During a search of Ioerger, the officers found a 9mm Ruger, two loaded magazines, and two Carolina Panther rings in his short pockets.  These items had been reported stolen by his stepfather the day before.

As a result, the Violent Crime Unit contacted investigators from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Department who arrive at the scene to assist.  They obtained a search warrant for Ioerger’s residence at 733 Crestridge Road.  During the search, several items that had been reported stolen were recovered.Joseph Ioerger was then taken before a magistrate and charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  Ioerger received a $170,000.00 secured bond.  Additional charges are pending for Ioerger.

The Statesville Police Department would like to thank the Iredell County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance in this investigation.