The robbery attempt took place in St. Leon in 2025.
Gregory Lucas. Photo provided.
(Dearborn County, Ind.) – Gregory C. Lucas, 20 of Cincinnati, has been sentenced to 10 years following his conviction for Attempted Armed Robbery (Level 3 Felony), arising from an incident in northern Dearborn County in September 2025.
Lucas entered a negotiated guilty plea, and on September 10, 2026, and Dearborn Superior Court II Judge Sally McLaughlin imposed a 10-year sentence with no portion of the sentence suspended.
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The investigation began after a concerned citizen contacted the Indiana State Police regarding an individual who was attempting to arrange the purchase of a vehicle through Facebook Marketplace. According to investigators, the communications ultimately led to a planned meeting at the Amoco station in St. Leon. The citizen did not attend the meeting, and Indiana State Police investigators instead monitored the location.
Lucas arrived at the location wearing a ski mask, jacket and long pants despite temperatures being in the 90s. Investigators reported that he appeared nervous, repeatedly looked over his shoulder, and walked around the property before troopers approached him.
When Trooper Kyle Stovall attempted to investigate further, Lucas pulled away and attempted to flee. Lucas then fought with Troopers Stovall, Weigel and Uhler before being taken into custody. During the struggle, Lucas bit Trooper Stovall, scratched him and attempted to gouge his eye. Trooper Stovall suffered injuries including a bite that broke the skin, injuries to his face and shoulder, and a facial injury that investigators later described as resulting in a permanent scar.
Following Lucas’ arrest, officers recovered a loaded Glock .40-caliber handgun with a round in the chamber and an extended magazine containing 18 additional rounds from his jacket pocket. An open Swiss Army knife was also recovered near the area where the struggle occurred.
A subsequent forensic examination conducted by the High Tech Crimes Unit of Lucas’ phone uncovered Facebook messages sent only hours before the planned meeting in which Lucas stated that he was going to rob individuals he had contacted through Facebook. Investigators concluded that the messages, Lucas’ actions at the scene, and his possession of the loaded firearm and knife demonstrated his intent to commit an armed robbery.
Prosecuting Attorney Lynn Deddens said: “This was a dangerous situation that could have ended very differently. The quick and professional response of the Indiana State Police prevented an armed robbery from being carried out and protected an innocent citizen from ever being confronted by an armed offender.”
Deddens thanked the Indiana State Police troopers and investigators involved in the case for their work in safely apprehending Lucas and developing the evidence that led to his conviction.
Lucas was initially charged with Attempted Armed Robbery, three counts of Battery on a Public Safety Official, and Resisting Law Enforcement. Under the negotiated plea agreement, Lucas was convicted of Attempted Armed Robbery and the remaining charges were dismissed. Lucas will be transported to the Indiana Department of Corrections to serve the remainder of his sentence
