Two more arrests made in Newton armed robbery

Two Newton men are charged with accessory to a felony in connection to a recent armed robbery at a Newton convenience store.

Kyle A. Edwards, 25, and Christopher S. Christensen, 22, were charged following an investigation into the Nov. 4 armed robbery at Casey’s General Store, 1200 W. 18th St. S.

During the investigation, two people of interest were seen walking into the Newton 66, located across the street from Casey’s, where they spoke with an employee identified as Christensen, whom they appeared to be good friends with.

Officers spoke with Christensen at the police department and he said he had no knowledge of the robbery or any involvement with Matthew Bridges, one of the suspects. He also denied Bridges had been at his residence that night.

Following the arrests of Bridges, Gabriel L. Crandall, and Taylor D. Helton for the robbery, investigators learned that all three suspects had been at Christensen’s residence along with Edwards. While at the residence, the suspects had put “a pile of money all over the bed,” according to a police report.

Officers spoke with both Christensen and Edwards in the following days with both failing to mention the new information.

At a later interview, both admitted the suspects had been at the residence and they had been trying to cover for themselves and a friend. Both admitted they believed they were involved in the robbery after seeing the cash.

Christensen and Edwards were taken to the Jasper County Jail where they were released on a $1,000 bond.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com