35-year-old Joseph Clarence Ioerger of Statesville was arrested Thursday (July 6) by Statesville Police Officers. He’s charged with robbery with a firearm or other dangerous weapon, felony larceny, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon.

On June 20, 2023, the Statesville Police Department responded to a 911 call regarding an armed robbery that took place at the Love’s Truck Stop on Mocksville Hwy in Statesville. The suspect, a white male with his face covered, entered the store and pointed a handgun at the clerk demanding money. He also requested several packs of cigarettes. The suspect departed the store with $560 in cash, several packs of cigarettes, and four energy drinks.

The Statesville Police Department Violent Crime Unit initiated an investigation into the incident. During their investigation, Joseph Clarence Ioerger was identified as a suspect. On July 6, members of the Violent Crime Unit went to an address on Crestridge Road in Statesville where Ioerger was believed to be. Initially, they were informed that Ioerger was not home, but he later emerged from the woods on a 4-wheeler and approached the officers.

The officers showed Ioerger a picture of himself inside the Love’s Truck Stop, which he confirmed was him. Officers attempted to arrest Ioerger by asking him to place his hands behind his back. However, Ioerger resisted arrest, stating that he was not going to jail. During a search of Ioerger, the officers found a 9mm Ruger, two loaded magazines, and two Carolina Panther rings in his short pockets. These items had been reported stolen by his stepfather the day before.

The Violent Crime Unit contacted investigators from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Department who arrive at the scene to assist. They obtained a search warrant for Ioerger’s residence on Crestridge Road. During the search, several items that had been reported stolen were recovered.

Ioerger was jailed in the Iredell County Detention Center under $220,000 secured bond. He remained in jail as of earlier today (July 10). District Court dates were scheduled today and July 26.