Lexington teen tried to rob elderly lady at knifepoint, police say

A Lexington teen who tried to rob an elderly woman at knifepoint last month was put behind bars this week, according to a Lexington Police Department statement.

Joseph Cole, 17, was arrested after police say he tried to take money from a woman July 10 outside of Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids on North Lake Drive, according to the statement.

Cole walked up to the woman in the hair salon’s parking lot with a knife, according to the statement. She didn’t have any money to give him, and he ran from the scene.

Police also are seeking Cole’s stepfather, Jesse Wane Richards, 31, according to the statement. Police believe Richards helped plan the robbery and drove Cole to the robbery.

Richards is charged with attempted armed robbery and conspiracy.

Cole was taken to the Lexington County Detention Center, where he was being held with a $3,000 bond.

This story was originally published August 1, 2018 at 11:24 AM.