(official statement from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office):
On Saturday, 1/4/2020 @ 2004 hours, a man walked into the Miles Mini-Mart and demanded cash from the clerk while holding her at knife-point. Jackson and Clinton County Sheriff’s and Preston and Sabula Police were called to the scene, with Jackson County and Preston Police beginning their investigation that evening.
On Sunday, 1/5/2020 @ 2058 hours, Jackson County Deputies Kody Sieverding and Corey Kettmann, along with Preston Police Chief Scott Heiar and Officer Stephen Thayer, initiated a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle, a red Kia bearing Iowa plate IQP587, at the intersection of Adams Street and Section Road in Miles, due to the vehicle having a head-lamp and tail-light out, and also failing to dim it’s headlights.
Deputies and officers made contact with the driver, Garry Evilsizer, who was noticeably nervous. They noticed items lying in plain view on the back seat that appeared to be identical to those worn by the suspect in the Miles Mini-Mart robbery the night before. These items included a gray hooded sweatshirt and a pair of brown work boots that were three sizes too big for Mr. Evilsizer. They also noted that Mr. Evilsizer lives approximately two blocks from the Miles Mini-Mart and in the direction the suspect was last seen walking towards. Mr. Evilsizer also appeared to have the same height and build of the burglary suspect.
Mr. Evilsizer was asked to exit his vehicle and walk to Deputy Sieverding’s squad car. When he did walk to the car, it was observed that he had the same distinct gait that the suspect in the Miles Mini-Mart robbery had, specifically, when he places his right foot down as he walks, it is pointing at an approximate 45-degree angle. The jeans he was wearing appeared to be similar to the jeans of the suspect in the robbery, including having one of the pant legs rolled. He also exhibited the same hand movements and gestures as the suspect from the robbery. Mr. Evilsizer was asked if he had a knife in the car and he said he did. He was allowed to retrieve the knife, which was wrapped in paper towels, and it appeared to be the same knife used in the robbery. Garry was read his Miranda rights and immediately invoked his right to remain silent.
Chief Heiar wrote and was granted search warrants to both the Kia registered to Garry Evilsizer, as well as to his residence at 545 Washington Street, Apartment 6, Miles, Iowa. The knife, grey-hooded sweatshirt, and work boots were taken into evidence from the search of the Kia. Drugs and drug paraphernalia were found in the search of the apartment and were seized, as well as Mr. Evilsizer’s phone.
Garry Evilsizer is being held at the Jackson County Detention Center on charges of Robbery in the 2nd Degree, a class C felony, as well as driving without a license. Mr. Evilsizer is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Authority: Deputies Gruver, Kettmann, Sieverding
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
Chief Heiar and Officer Thayer
Preston Police Department
