VAN LEAR, Ky. — A Johnson County woman faces burglary and other charges after allegedly breaking into an iconic Johnson County business.
Deputies with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office were called to Webb’s Grocery, in Van Lear, on Nov. 30, when the owner said he was watching surveillance camera footage of a woman with several dogs inside the store, while an employee was also watching from the parking lot.
Police found the front door padlocked, but a window had been broken to allow the woman to gain access.
Police made their way in through a side door and confronted the women, identified as Aimee Lee Petty, 49, of Butcher Hollow, who told them she was the store owner and had forgotten her keys. The actual owner of the store was still on the phone with police, and told them she was not an owner, but was a family member who they occasionally helped with food and bills.
Deputies then attempted to place Petty under arrest, but required several attempts to handcuff her because they said she tried to punch and kick them each time.
Police found a large suitcase in the store that had been packed with dog food and other items, including a hammer and hatchet police believed were used to break the window. They also found a bag on the counter with other items from the store and a knife.
Petty was charged with burglary, assaulting an officer, criminal mischief and assaulting an officer, but was taken to the hospital for medical clearance. She was booked in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center on Friday and remains there on a $25,000 cash bond.
