Suspect sought in armed robbery, assault

Authorities are looking for a Cape Girardeau man in connection with an armed robbery and assault reported Tuesday evening in Cape Girardeau County.

Torian D. Hence, 25, is accused of striking a co-worker in the head and taking his wallet.

A probable cause statement filed by Cpl. H. VanGennip says an employee at Do It Best, 5422 Nash Road, reported "he heard his boss screaming and found him 'beat up.'"

The victim, who had abrasions, severe swelling to the right side of his face and blood near his mouth, said Hence had become upset and "got in [the victim's] face" Friday, resulting in his dismissal, VanGennip wrote.

About 7 a.m. Tuesday, Hence showed up at Do It Best, apologized and asked the victim for a second chance, VanGennip wrote.

The victim "stated he thought everyone deserves a second chance and the right to earn money, since times are tough, so he allowed Hence to have his job back," VanGennip wrote.

About 6 p.m., the victim walked past Hence into a walkway, where Hence struck him in the head with a metal object; told him, "I've got a knife. If you move, I'll stab you"; and took a wallet containing the victim's identification card and $3,580 in cash before fleeing on foot, VanGennip wrote.

A co-worker reported seeing Hence run out of the warehouse, get into a waiting vehicle and say, "go, go, go" before the vehicle pulled out of the parking lot, VanGennip wrote.

Hence faces charges of first-degree robbery and second-degree assault in connection with the case. His bond is set at $100,000 cash only, but he has not yet been arrested, and his whereabouts are unknown, according to a news release from the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department.

The department is asking those with information about Hence's whereabouts to call 243-3351 or contact their local law enforcement agency.

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, MO