IMPD arrests man accused of 24 robberies across central Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A 32-year-old man is sitting in jail, accused of robbing more than two dozen stores across central Indiana.
Investigators say they have been trailing him since the first robbery in 2013.
Undercover investigators, along with federal agents, have had their eyes on Jeffery Wilson. They believe he’s the man responsible for robbing 24 different places across ten different cities. Police say half of those robberies happened in Indianapolis.
“We caught a break. We received some information that eventually led us to the location at the Advanced Auto Parts,” said Rafael Diaz, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Police say they caught Wilson red-handed Monday night following a robbery at the Advanced Auto Parts store near Kentucky and South Tibbs Avenue.
“As they were making their way there, he immediately came out and that’s when we were able to confront him,” said Diaz.
Wilson was taken in for questioning and police say he admitted to the crime. Investigators have reason to believe that he may be connected to 23 other robberies across central Indiana.
“A lot of the robberies, he was masked,” said Diaz.
The list of stores included, Game Stop, Cash America Pawn, EZ Pawn, and Check into Cash. Some of these stores were targeted more than once.
“It’s a puzzle based on all of the different reports and different statements and witness information,” said Diaz. “All that information has to be put together.”
Police say the first robbery happened back in November 2013. They believe Wilson continued the spree from January until May of last year. It started up again last month with a robbery at Game Stop in the 4500 block of Lafayette Road.
“It may feel like things aren’t happening or things aren’t occurring, but in reality, in the background, there are a lot of work being done by our investigators,” said Diaz.
Wilson is preliminarily charged with robbery and two counts of criminal confinement. Police say it’s possible that he could face federal charges.
His initial hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m.
