An 81-year-old McKenzie merchant was robbed Saturday, and shortly after the occurrence, an 18-year-old suspect was in custody.

That, according to Sheriff Diane Harris was the case when deputies from her office arrested Jamie Lee Peterson, of Rt. One McKenzie.

"We responded to a call from Brooks' Butcher Shop on McKenzie Grade Road shortly after dinner on Saturday," said Harris. "Johnny Brooks, owner and operator of Brooks Butcher Shop said that between 12:20 and 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 18 a black male, approximately six feet in height came into the store, and ordered some meat, which Brooks went into the back to get - Brooks said as he was coming back from the cooler he saw Peterson with his hand in the cash register."

Harris said Brooks reportedly told the subject to give the money back.

"He told Brooks he didn't take any money, but then he gave him $20 back, and left the store," Harris said. "Brooks then checked the register, and noticed there was still $20 missing, and he called E-911."

Harris said that within 30 minutes her officers made contact with a subject fitting the description of the robber.

"Sgt. Joe Salter made contact with a man fitting the description of the suspect, walking on South Garland Street," Harris said. "After making contact with the subject, identified as Jamie Lee Peterson was read his rights and questioned about the robbery - he admitted that he had been at the Butcher Store, and that he had taken $40 from the cash register - he also said he only returned $20 to the merchant."

Salter, assisted by Chief Deputy Kenny Harden arrested Peterson, charging him with robbery, first degree.

"Peterson was transported to the Butler County Jail where he was booked for robbery," Harris said. "He was released on a $10,000 property bond on Monday, Aug. 20."

Harris said she wants to encourage all merchants, especially in the rural areas of the county to be as observant as this merchant was," Harris said. "Pay close attention to what type of clothing people are wearing, and how tall they are, their build, and any other distinguishing facts about them - this helps us in our abilities to apprehend suspects."