Armed vape thief arrested after Marionville Casey’s robbery

A Mt. Vernon man has been charged with robbery following a hold up of a Marionville Casey’s convenience store while armed with a handgun late in the evening on Sept. 30. According to a statement made by the Aurora and Marionville Police Department Facebook page, Nickolas Justice, 18, entered the store with a mask and a handgun. Justice proceeded to an area behind the counter to steal vape supplies. He was spotted by staff who then confronted him. The altercation became physical with customers and employees helping to detain him until police arrived to take him into custody at about 10:30 p.m.
The AMPD gave their thoughts on the incident, offering to help those who may be misguided, and said it could have ended a lot worse than it did.
“It is a blessing no one was hurt during this incident. Like it or not, Missouri is a constitutional carry state. When a criminal masks themselves and enters an establishment armed, there is a real risk of someone in the store being armed as well. This could have ended in death. If you’re living a lifestyle that would lead to this type of ridiculous behavior, come ask us for help. It may save your life,” the post said.
Justice was arrested by the AMPD where it was discovered that the handgun he possessed was stolen from a nearby jurisdiction. He is currently being held in the Lawrence County Jail where he faces charges of stealing, unlawful use of weapon and robbery in the first degree. Justice also faces a charge of fourth-degree assault.