MAYFIELD, Ky. (News First) — A pre-arranged drug deal led to an armed robbery Thursday afternoon just south of the Mayfield city limits.
At around 3:45 p.m., sheriff’s detectives were alerted by a passing motorist who witnessed two masked men holding a third at gunpoint with a handgun. The suspects, scared off by the witness, fled the area of Ky. Hwy. 121 and Ky. Hwy. 80 in a red Ford Explorer.
Further investigation revealed that a 16-year-old male had agreed to sell THC vape cartridges for $900 to two men through a social media app. Upon arrival, the buyers, wearing masks, pulled a Glock 9mm handgun and robbed the teenager of the vape cartridges, which were in a backpack.
A BOLO (be on the lookout) was issued to surrounding law enforcement agencies for the red Ford Explorer. Graves County detectives identified one suspect as Quanterance J. Matchem, 18, of Leonard Futrell Road in western McCracken County.
Shortly after the report, Paducah Police Department located the suspect vehicle at a residence on Virginia Street in Paducah. Graves deputies and detectives found the stolen backpack with the THC vape cartridges and a loaded 9mm Glock during a search of the home. A mask worn in the robbery was also found in the red Ford Explorer.
Detectives learned that Matchem was aware he was being sought and had informed a family member he was on the run with no plans to surrender. An active arrest warrant has been issued for Matchem, charging him with 1st degree armed robbery.
Anyone with information about the crime or Matchem’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Graves County Sheriff’s Office or any law enforcement agency.
The 16-year-old juvenile will also face trafficking charges. Two photographs of Matchem are attached below.
