The theft of copper tubing from Southern Wholesale resulted in one woman being charged while police search for a second individual allegedly involved in the incident.
Tina Dabney, 41, of Harlan, was arrested by Harlan City Police Sgt. Mike Boggs on Wednesday on an unrelated warrant. Dabney was later served with an arrest warrant at the Harlan County Detention Center on Wednesday charging her in connection with the incident at Southern Wholesale.
According to the arrest warrant, HPD Sgt. George Young stated Dabney robbed Southern Wholesale of copper tubing.
Police Chief Mike Thomas said Dabney was recognized by witnesses who observed the incident.
“Witnesses at Southern Wholesale, a couple members of management, saw Dabney and another woman conceal a couple of items,” said Thomas. “They exited the store without paying for the items. They were confronted by a couple of Southern Wholesale employees in the parking lot.”
Thomas said officers were on the way to the scene while the alleged incident was happening.
The warrant states Dabney entered a blue Chevrolet Lumina being driven by a co-defendant. The identity of the co-defendant was unknown on Friday.
“In the process of discussing the matter in the parking lot they decided they didn’t want to stick around,” said Thomas.
Thomas said one employee was slapped and another employee was hit by the car.
Thomas said there were no injuries related to the incident.
“Officers were unable to locate them, but witnesses identified Dabney as being a passenger in the car,” said Thomas. “We obtained a warrant on Dabney and at this time she denies all knowledge or any wrongdoing.”
According to Thomas, none of the merchandise had been located.
Dabney was charged with first-degree robbery and lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $20,000 bond.
The case is being investigated by Young.
Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510, ext. 113, jasher@civitasmedia.com










