Police search for armed suspect in robbery, hostage released

NEW WHITELAND (WISH) - Police are searching an area on the south side of Indianapolis for a suspect , authorities say took a hostage and robbed a convenience store early Friday in New Whiteland, Ind.

Witnesses told police a man entered the Circle K at U.S. 31 and Tracy Road  around 1:30 a.m. and began walking around the convenience store. The clerk described his actions as “odd.” 

Witnesses say the suspicious man pulled a gun, pointed it at a customer and walked him up to the cashier. 

The gunman demanded money and said the victim was, "going with him."

The victim, described as a regular customer to the Circle K, told police he was ordered to drive the suspect to Indianapolis. 

The 22-year-old victim said he was unfamiliar with Indianapolis, but believes he dropped the suspect off around Interstate 70 and Harding Street.

The suspect fled on foot. The victim was not injured and called 911.

The victim then drove back to the Circle K in New Whiteland and met with police who took his account of the incident and processed his car for evidence. 

Police are now searching the area of I-70 and Harding Street in Indianapolis for the armed suspect.  

Images of the suspect were captured by the store’s security camera.

The suspect is described as a black male, 5'6" - 5' 8" tall, thin build, wearing jeans and a dark hooded Carhart coat, armed with a handgun.

Police say before suspect went to the Circle K, he went to Circle K across the street. The registers were broken, so the employee did not have any money available and ended up closing for the night.

New Whiteland Police, Whiteland Police, IMPD and officers with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department  are involved in the robbery investigation.

This morning’s armed robbery was the second time police were called out to the gas station this year.  New Whiteland police say three people robbed the business in January.  Police caught the suspects.