Two held following armed robbery

Two men were in custody Friday in the Nodaway County jail following an alleged armed robbery Wednesday in Maryville at the Show-Me Inn Apartments, located in the 900 block of South Main in Maryville.

Only one of the suspects was arrested in connection with the robbery itself. Wesley Laverne Harris, 23, Kansas City, was being held in lieu of $50,000 bond on first-degree charges of robbery, burglary, assault and armed criminal action, all felonies.

Nodaway County Sheriff Darren White said Harris' cousin, Darrion Jerome Harris, 29, address unknown, was also being held on numerous warrants and alleged probation violation.

White said the department learned of the robbery Wednesday afternoon and issued a vehicle alert for a red Ford Contour being driven by a caucasian female and carrying three black male passengers.

The robbery is said to have occurred around 3:35 p.m., when Wesley Harris allegedly entered an occupied apartment, displayed a small handgun and made away with $250 in cash.

White said the other people in the car were apparently unaware of the robbery, and that Harris is thought to have acted alone.

The car was spotted later that day on Route 113 near Quitman. Numerous officers were in pursuit, and the a Missouri State Highway Patrol Helicopter joined the chase.

Shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday, the vehicle linked to the incident was spotted by Atchison County sheriff's deputies on Highway 136 at Route Y east of Rock Port.

Officers stopped the car, and the woman, Wesley Harris and another man were taken into custody. Darrion Harris was arrested later. Atchison County authorities reported finding a gun in the vehicle.

Only the Harrises remained in custody, and the other two people were released without being charged.