Two Men Charged with Attempted Armed Robbery

August  12, 2013. On Sunday Aug. 11 Boone Police responded to an armed robbery in the parking lot of New Market Center.  A male victim stated that he was scheduled to meet a man about buying a cell phone.  The victim made contact with the man through Craigslist and then communicated with the man by email.  Shortly after arriving in the parking lot, a man approached the victim brandishing a knife and demanding money.  The victim was able to gain control of the knife at which point the assailant fled. The assailant left the area in a vehicle that was waiting nearby driven by a second male.  The victim suffered a minor injury that did not require medical attention.    

Two brothers have been arrested and charged as a result of the incident.  Joshua James Hash, 21, of Cecil Street, Boone, was arrested and charged with attempted armed robbery.  Joshua Hash was assigned a $75,000 secured bond pending a September 17, 2013, court appearance.  Kevin Floyd Hash, 17, of Sunny Ridge Trail, Boone, was arrested and charged with attempted armed robbery and misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon.  Kevin Hash was assigned a $100,000 secured bond pending a September 17, 2013, court appearance.

This incident highlights the need to be cautious anytime you buy or sell items online.  Here are several tips to help keep you safe:

• Never meet someone alone, always take a companion

• Do not carry large amounts of cash

• Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert

• If something seems too good to be true, it probably is

• Always meet in a public place

• Get as much information as possible about the other person before you meet  including name and phone number(s)