Newton man arrested for first-degree robbery, threatens employee with knife

A Newton man is behind bars after threatening a Hy-Vee clerk with a knife while leaving the store without paying for two bottles of alcohol during an incident on May 1.

Kenneth E. Chance, 20, of Newton, was arrested and charged with first-degree robbery and trespassing at 6:55 p.m. Wednesday in the 500 block First Ave. E. He was also cited for possession of alcohol by a person 18/19/20.

Chance took a bottle of Black Velvet caramel and a bottle of Tequila Rose from the Hy-Vee Wine and Spirits. Chance was identified by Hy-Vee employees and is seen on camera taking the items without paying for them. The total value is $34.98.

Chance then left the store with the items and was confronted by store employees outside the building. He was carrying a knife and was holding it in his hand. Chance threatened to cut the store clerk, was told to give the items back to the store clerk and again threatened the clerk while holding the knife.

Store employees later notified the police May 5 that Chance had entered the store. Staff could identify Chance as he had been in the store many times and stolen many items recently. Clothing worn in the video was found to be in possession of Chance when he was located.

Chance was taken to the Jasper County Jail where he is held on a $10,000 cash or surety bond with his scheduled court appearance for May 18.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com