(Stuart, IA) – Stuart Police Chief David Reha today (Thursday), reported on his department’s social media page, that at around 9:13-p.m. Wednesday, the Guthrie County Communications Center received a 911 call from a 17-year-old employee at a Subway restaurant in Stuart, reporting that the business had just been robbed. Officers from the Stuart Police Department, along with deputies from the Adair County Sheriff’s Office and Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, responded immediately and were on scene within approximately three minutes. A description of the suspect and the suspect vehicle was obtained and promptly disseminated to surrounding law enforcement agencies.

About 20 minutes later, a vehicle matching the description and being driven by an individual matching the suspect description was stopped by Dallas County Sheriff’s Deputies along Interstate 80 in rural Dallas County. Stuart Police Officers responded to that location to assist with the investigation. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed evidence tying the driver to the robbery, as well as U.S. currency consistent with the money taken during the incident. As a result of the investigation, 33-year-old Kevin Christopher Krouse, Jr., of West Des Moines, was arrested and transported to and booked into the Adair County Jail.

Krouse faces charges that include Robbery in the Second Degree (a Class C Forcible Felony), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (a Simple Misdemeanor). Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater said Krouse was being held without bond pending his initial court appearance.

Chief Reha says an investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as appropriate. He said also, the incident “Highlights how strong working relationships between local and regional law enforcement agencies contribute to successful outcomes. The swift communication and cooperation between the Stuart Police Department, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, Guthrie County Communications, and surrounding agencies played a critical role in resolving this incident quickly.

“Additionally,” he said, “The calm actions and courage of the employee, who provided officers with important details immediately following the robbery, were instrumental in bringing this case to a rapid resolution.

Criminal charges are merely accusations based upon probable cause. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.