Months-Long Armed Robbery Spree Ends With 3 Arrested: Police

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Indianapolis police arrested three men accused of going on a months-long robbery spree on Friday, Nov. 9, according to a release from the department. Police say the trio was caught after a robbery that night.

George Taylor Jr., 30, James Bess, 28, and Tony Hamilton, 27, were robbing the AutoZone in the 5400 block of N. Keystone Avenue, police say, around 9 p.m. on Nov. 9. They learned about the armed robbery in progress and set up a perimeter around the area around 9:25 p.m.

Soon afterwards, the three suspects walked out of the AutoZone wearing clothes that concealed their faces, police say. When officers confronted the men, two of the suspects turned towards them and had handguns, according to the release.

One officer fired two shots, but didn't hit anybody.

One suspect tried to get away in a car, police say, but crashed soon after and was arrested. The other two ran away on foot. One was caught and taken into custody and another was later arrested, the release says.

Police say the trio is responsible for these robberies:

• Aug. 16: Thornton's at 7425 E. Washington St.
• Aug. 21: Steak N Shake at 2403 N. Post Rd.
• Aug. 27: Speedway Gas Station at 1590 N. Post Rd.
• Aug. 28: Village Pantry at 1415 W. 86th St.
• Sept. 4: Speedway Gas Station at 965 N. German Church Rd.
• Sept. 11: Penn Station at 1004 N. Shadeland Ave.
• Sept. 12: Speedway Gas Station at 11531 E. Washington St. (Cumberland)
• Sept. 19: CVS at 7240 E. 82nd St.
• Oct. 1: Liquor Unlimited at 10030 E. 10th St.
• Oct. 8: Auto Zone at 1170 N. Arlington Ave.
• Oct. 16: Auto Zone at 2739 E. 38th St.
• Oct. 22: Steak N Shake at 7930 E. Washington St.
• Oct. 24: Auto Zone at 11120 E. Washington St. (Cumberland)
• Oct. 24: Auto Zone at 8702 E. Washington St.
• Nov. 9: Auto Zone at 5455 N. Keystone Ave.

Hamilton was charged with one count of armed robbery, Bess is facing six counts and Taylor is facing 15 counts.

(Subscribe to the Indianapolis Patch daily newsletter which is delivered to your inbox once a day to keep you updated with breaking news and other updates, for free. Make sure to "Like" Indianapolis Patch on Facebook).

Photo credit: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department