For Immediate Release Contact: Sgt. Matt Gard
April 19th, 2018 mjgard@lafayette.in.gov
(765) 807-1223
Suspect Arrested During Armed Robbery
On April 18th, 2018 at 6:30 pm the Lafayette Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery in progress at the Speedway, 1901 Elmwood Ave, Lafayette, IN. When police arrived they found an employee and a customer holding a suspect down on the ground in the parking lot.
The suspect, Whitney Gamiel (30) entered the business stating she had a gun and demanded the money from the registers. In addition to the money, Gamiel stole cigarettes and the keys to the store. Gamiel then demanded that the employee leave the business with her. However, once in the parking lot the employee fought with Gamiel in an attempt to get away. A customer came to the employee’s aid and they were able to hold Gamiel on the ground until police arrived. No weapon was located.
The employee sustained minor injuries that did not require hospitalization. Gamiel was arrested and transported to the Tippecanoe County Jail. Gamiel was arrested on the following offenses:
Robbery resulting in bodily injury
Intimidation
Confinement
Theft
Battery
Sergeant Matt Gard
Community Outreach & Crime Prevention
The fact a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.