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IMPD arrests 2 for armed robberies at gas stations; more suspects sought

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Police have arrested two suspects after a recent string of armed robberies across Indianapolis. Police say they need the public’s help identifying more suspects.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said 17-year-old Christopher Rocheleau and 18-year-old Mekhi Rosenthall have been arrested in the case. Police say the pair were arrested on Nov. 1.

Officer William Young of IMPD said Thursday, “Of course there was a pattern we saw. They got away with one of them or they assumed they would get away with one of them and then I think it just spiraled out of control and kept going throughout the city.”

IMPD says they’ve been connected to the following cases from last month:

  • Oct. 26: Shell Gas Station at 1402 S. Meridian St.
  • Oct. 26: Express Pantry at 1402 S. East St.
  • Oct. 26: Conoco Gas Station at 2504 W. Washington St.
  • Oct. 27: Phillips 66 Gas Station at 2401 Lafayette Road.
  • Oct. 27: Marathon Gas Station at 1845 E. Michigan St. (Rosenthall only).
  • Oct. 28: Express Pantry at 1402 S. East St. (Rosenthall only).

“Money was taken in multiple of those robberies and even in some attempts they tried to rob they were unsuccessful sometimes,” Young said.

A carjacking had happened shortly before the robberies started and the red Ford Focus was used in multiple robberies connected to the teens.

A woman who asked News 8 call her “Crystal” works at one of the gas stations that was robbed. She was on the phone with her boyfriend, who was working at the time of one of the robberies. She said, “Yes, I was afraid because I don’t know if something would have happened to him, like I don’t if I just wake up and seen him that morning and then he wouldn’t come back home to me like that is scary.”

According to online court records, Rosenthall faces six counts of armed robbery, one count of resisting law enforcement and one count of carrying a handgun without a license. His initial hearing was held Nov. 8 and he’s due back in court for a pretrial conference in December.

Rocheleau faces four counts of armed robbery, one count of resisting law enforcement and one count of carrying a handgun without a license. His initial hearing is set for Nov. 15.

IMPD is seeking help locating additional suspects in armed robberies. If you recognize anyone in the photos below, you can contact 317-327-3475 or email CovertRobbery@indy.gov.

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