Police say a robbery at Gill's Amoco was actually set up by the employee who was working at the time, and investigators are searching for his alleged accomplice.
Joshua Van Thompson, 22, of Lawrence, remained in the Douglas County Jail on Tuesday night in lieu of $1,500 bond.
Thompson was working at 2:15 a.m. Monday at the gasoline station at 23rd and Louisiana when he reported he had been robbed, police said.
"Our investigation led us to believe the incident wasn't what he originally reported," said Sgt. Richard Nickell Tuesday.
Thompson said a man came into the station, pointed a gun at him and demanded money. Nickell said police know the name of the alleged accomplice, and that he is an acquaintance of Thompson's. Police are looking for the suspect, a 29-year-old man, Nickell said.
The gasoline station is equipped with surveillance cameras, but there was no evidence available from the cameras, Nickell said.
"There was video equipment, but one of the suspects may have removed (the tape) from the store," he said.
Thompson appeared in Douglas County District Court Tuesday afternoon on charges of robbery, false reporting of a crime, and theft. A judge set a $1,500 bond.
His next court appearance was set for Oct. 6.
Nickell wouldn't say how much money was taken during the incident.
-- Chris Koger's phone message number is 832-7126. His e-mail address is ckoger@ljworld.com.
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