Jonathen Lovelace, 20, of Warsaw, was found hiding in this Pierceton residence following an armed robbery at a liquor store. (Photo by Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department)

A Pierceton liquor store was robbed this morning by a man brandishing a knife, but police were quick to find and arrest the suspect.

Pierceton Police, along with other local, county and Indiana State police officers converged at the Pierceton Discount Package Liquor store, 101 S. First St., at 11:37 a.m. today after receiving a 911 call.

The clerk told police the suspect, Jonathen Raven Lovelace, 20, of Warsaw, entered the store, displayed a knife and ordered him to “give me all your money and don’t be a hero.” Lovelace reportedly took $350 in the hold-up.

While investigating, officers were told by a witness that Lovelace had been seen at the First Street residence before and that he may have fled there. Within 12 minutes police had surrounded the house. A woman who answered the door told officers Lovelace was there and gave them permission to enter and search the residence. Lovelace was found hiding in a bedroom closet. They also located $299 in cash.

Jonathen Raven Lovelace

According to a probable cause affidavit provided by the prosecutor’s office, Lovelace admitted to the armed robbery. He was arrested on a preliminary charge of felony robbery with a knife and is currently being held in the Kosciusko County Jail without bond.

The Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office is also assisting with the ongoing investigation and arrest.

Officers from Pierceton, Warsaw, Winona Lake, Indiana State Police and the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the investigation.