Suspect Wanted in Armed Robbery in Rural Bethany

BETHANY, MO – Harrison County law enforcement officers have charged one individual after they responded to an armed robbery call in rural Bethany last week.

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office reports they were notified of the armed robbery no longer in process around 11:45 pm on July 5th on East 220th Avenue. The caller reported they had been tied up and their safe had been looted. The suspect, referred to as “Smiley” and later identified as 44-year-old William J. Ross, is alleged to have contacted the victims at their home, stating he was having vehicle trouble. One of the victims took the suspect in his vehicle to the suspect’s vehicle during which time it is alleged Ross pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the victim’s head.

Law enforcement says the victim was taken back to his residence where Ross and another unidentified white male held him and another household member at gunpoint. The victims are said to have been tied with their hands to their ankles with zip ties. The report says the suspects took firearms, ammunition and silver coins. The victims reported that during the robbery another unidentified black male came into the residence.

Officers report they were able to identify Ross after an investigation. Ross’ last known residence was in Chillicothe. Ross is not in custody and the other two suspects have not been charged at this point.