Early Saturday afternoon, police officers from the Noblesville Police Department (NPD) responded to the Village Pantry, 2299 Greenfield Ave., on a report of an armed robbery that had taken place earlier at approximately 2:50 a.m.
Based on information provided by store employees and available security video footage, two suspects came into the store around 2:50 a.m. and displayed a handgun and a knife while allegedly threatening the employee. It was reported that money and other products were taken from the business. The suspects appeared to be male and both had their faces covered. The delayed reporting and limited description of the suspects presented some investigative challenges for police, but the information was disseminated to surrounding agencies to be on the lookout.
Later Saturday night at approximately 10:23 p.m., officers from the Cicero Police Department (CPD) were called to the Shell gas station, 1010 S. Peru St., on a report of another armed robbery that had just occurred. Based on a vehicle description provided by a witness, a collaboration of officers from the Department of Natural Resources, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, CPD and NPD were able to locate and stop the suspect vehicle. The purported suspect vehicle was occupied by three male subjects, and officers located several items that they believe to be evidence associated with both robberies.
Based on the information collected during the traffic stop and the ongoing investigation by NPD, all three suspects were taken into custody without incident for the alleged robbery that occurred at the Noblesville Village Pantry earlier in the day. CPD will handle the investigation of the Shell gas station that occurred in their jurisdiction.
The suspects were booked at the Hamilton County Jail on the following preliminary charges:
Joel B. Atwater, 19, Indianapolis, was arrested and charged with Robbery, I.C. 35-42-5-1(a)(2) Level 3 Felony; Pointing a Firearm, I.C. 35-47-4-3(b) Level 6 Felony; and Theft, I.C. 35-43-4-2 Class A Misdemeanor
Ian T. Massengale, 19, Indianapolis, was arrested and charged with Robbery, I.C. 35-42-5-1(a)(2) Level 3 Felony; and Theft, I.C. 35-43-4-2 Class A Misdemeanor.
Christhofher “Christian” D. Rodriguez Galo, 19, Indianapolis, was arrested and charged with Robbery, I.C. 35-42-5-1(a)(2) Level 3 Felony; and Theft, I.C. 35-43-4-2 Class A Misdemeanor.
A charge is merely an accusation and the defendant(s) is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.