A getaway car stolen in an armed robbery last week was found Monday afternoon near the Southwind Rail Trail near Humboldt.
Sheriff Bryan Murphy said evidence indicates the suspect is still alive and possibly in the area.
The Subaru was found between Idaho and Iowa roads, near the trail, but couldnt be easily seen. Iola Police Chief Jared Warner said its likely the vehicle had been there since Wednesday, when it was stolen from an employee during an armed robbery at Advance America, 523 N. State St.
The suspect, identified by police as Aaron Hutton of Iola, then fled to Humboldt and jumped into the Neosho River, where he floated on a log as law enforcement tracked him. Officers lost sight of him when the helicopter left to refuel.
Handprints were also found on the bank of the Neosho, Sheriff Murphy said this morning at a county commission meeting, leading officers to suspect Hutton is still in the area.
A truck also was reported stolen from Humboldt Monday and was found after it apparently ran out of gas. Officers are investigating a possible connection between the stolen truck, the handprints, and the missing suspect.
The discovery of the stolen Subaru also will help officers piece together a timeline of events, Warner said. It will be processed for evidence today and released to its owner.
