An additional arrest was made Wednesday in connection with that of Aaron Hutton, who turned himself into authorities that morning, according to Iola Police Chief Jared Warner.
The Allen County Sheriffs Department identified the suspect as Robert Alvin Peterson, 39, of Iola. Peterson was arrested by Iola police officers Wednesday on a search warrant. He was booked into the county jail on a felony charge of interference with law enforcement. The office said no bond had been set for Peterson.
Hutton was on the lam for seven days, while authorities searched the Neosho River and surrounding communities.
Hutton, 35, Iola, turned himself over to the Iola Police Department early Wednesday and currently sits behind bars in the Allen County Jail facing several charges.
Sheriff Bryan Murphy said that the hard work officially begins now in trying to figure out how Hutton was able to elude officers for so long, after escaping apprehension by floating down the Neosho.
There are multiple agencies involved, everyone has questions, Warner said. One arrest has been made for aiding Mr. Hutton and we do anticipate making more arrests. I cant really go into any more detail. We still havent received the paperwork from the arrest and are not ready to release any of that information.
Hutton faces charges for aggravated robbery, kidnapping, theft by threat and obstruction of apprehension of prosecution.
The sheriffs department and the Iola police department have interviewed Hutton.
Warner also addressed rumors about Hutton being transported to Chanute, saying they were false.
No, he is still sitting across the street as far as I know. You will see several departments in the area in the coming days, because we are all working together trying to figure this out, Warner said.
When asked about Huttons haircut and dye, which looks professionally done, Warner said that the suspect definitely had some help.
Hutton is accused of robbing a cashier at gunpoint at Advance America in Iola. The gunman took off with an undisclosed amount of cash, while taking the employees cell phone and vehicle.
A suspect matching Huttons description was seen in a residential area in Humboldt last Thursday. He then fled the area as law enforcement arrived, heading west toward the river.
Officers spotted Hutton about an hour later jumping into the water, while tossing a backpack onto the river bank.
The backpack contained money estimated to be between $1,500 and $25,000 to be a felony crime, a loaded handgun, clothing and a skull mask.
