A local florist was injured during a robbery Wednesday afternoon in downtown Salina.
According to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester, officers were sent to the Flower Nook, 208 West Iron Avenue, at approximately 3 p.m. for the report of a stolen vehicle. Owner Wayne DeBey reported that he was working in the store and was alerted to someone being inside the business garage, which is attached to the back of the business, Forrester noted. DeBey entered the garage and observed a subject inside a work vehicle, a 2011 Honda Element, Forrester explained.
"DeBey was able to get the keys from the vehicle and attempted to go back into the business," Forrester noted in a media release. "The subject began hitting DeBey in the head causing injuries to DeBey. DeBey gave the keys to the individual and was allowed to enter the business."
According to Forrester, DeBey suffered a laceration on his face that did not require stitches.
The subject got into the vehicle, backed out of the garage, and was last seen driving westbound on Iron Avenue, Forrester noted. The vehicle had a Kansas license plate of 582KZP, he added.
The Honda Element is valued at $11,000 and has the Flower Nook name and numerous yellow flowers on the outside of it, Forrester reported.
While backing out, the subject struck the garage door and a Nissan Xterra also owned by DeBey, causing approximately $350 damage to the Xterra and $1,000 damage to the door, Forrester noted.
According to Forrester, a possible suspect has been identified as DeBey was able to take a picture of the subject inside the vehicle. The subject was described as being a white male, 29 years of age, 5’10” and 177 pounds, Forrester noted.