DES MOINES, Iowa — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says two people linked to a convenience store robbery in Des Moines earlier this month have been charged in the case and are in custody.

Blake Christy, 35, and Samantha Buchman, 38, are being held in the Polk County Jail. Christy is charged with first-degree robbery and felon in possession of a firearm. Buchman is charged with first-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony.

The PCSO said the charges are connected to an armed robbery at the Git N Go at 4224 Northwest 2nd Street on July 6th. Deputies responded to the area and were given a description of the suspect. They found someone matching the description a few blocks away, but the suspect, later identified as Christy, fled. During the pursuit, he pulled out a gun and threatened self-harm, officials said. Despite deputies’ attempts to de-escalate the situation, Christy jumped a fence and was able to get away.

Investigators gathered evidence that Christy and Buchman, who was a clerk at the Git N Go store, conspired in the robbery. The PCSO said both were caught in Ottumwa.

In addition to the charges for the robbery, Christy was also wanted on the Iowa Sex Offender Most Wanted List for absconding from Dubuque County.

Preliminary hearings are scheduled for both on August 4th.