Gregory C. Lucas, 20, of Cincinnati, has been sentenced to ten years in prison after being convicted of attempted armed robbery (Level 3 Felony) in an event in northern Dearborn County in September 2025.
Lucas submitted a negotiated guilty plea, and on September 10, 2026, Dearborn Superior Court II Judge Sally McLaughlin imposed a 10-year sentence with no suspensions.
The inquiry began when a concerned citizen alerted the Indiana State Police about an individual attempting to purchase a vehicle through Facebook Marketplace.
According to authorities, the conversations eventually led to a planned rendezvous at the Amoco station in St. Leon. The individual failed to show up for the meeting, prompting investigators from the Indiana State Police to monitor the location.
Lucas arrived at the place dressed in a ski mask, jacket, and long pants despite the 90-degree weather. Investigators said he appeared anxious, kept looking over his shoulder, and wandered about the property before troopers approached him.
When Trooper Kyle Stovall tried to investigate more, Lucas backed away and attempted to run. Lucas then struggled with Troopers Stovall, Weigel, and Uhler before being brought into jail. During the scuffle, Lucas bit, scratched, and tried to gouge Trooper Stovall’s eye. Trooper Stovall sustained injuries such as a skin-breaking bite, facial and shoulder injuries, and a facial injury that investigators later described as leaving a lifelong scar.
Following Lucas’ arrest, officers discovered a loaded Glock. 40-caliber handgun with one cartridge in the chamber and an extended magazine containing 18 more rounds from his jacket pocket. An open Swiss Army knife was also discovered at the scene of the struggle.
A further forensic investigation of Lucas’ phone by the High Tech Crimes Unit revealed Facebook conversations received only hours before the scheduled meeting in which Lucas claimed that he intended to rob people he had met through Facebook. Investigators found that Lucas’ statements, behavior at the scene, and possession of the loaded pistol and knife all indicated his intent to commit armed robbery.
Prosecuting Attorney Lynn Deddens stated, “This was a perilous circumstance that could have turned out very differently. The Indiana State Police responded quickly and professionally, preventing an armed robbery and protecting an innocent citizen from being challenged by an armed felon.”
Deddens congratulated the Indiana State Police troopers and investigators who worked on the case to securely apprehend Lucas and produce the evidence that led to his conviction.
Lucas was first accused of attempted armed robbery, three counts of battery on a public safety official, and resisting arrest. Lucas was convicted of attempted armed robbery as part of the negotiated plea agreement, and the remaining counts were dismissed. Lucas will be taken to the Indiana Department of Corrections to serve the remainder of the sentence.
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