Purple Pistol Bandit Who ‘Terrorized Victims', Found Guilty Of Beaumont Area Armed Robbery Spree

CBS Dallas/Fort Worth

September 24, 2021

Derrick Rashard Gloude, 24, of Beaumont has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

According to court documents, from November 9, 2020 through November 16, 2020, Gloude robbed six businesses and attempted to rob another in Beaumont. The stores were all engaged in interstate commerce and employed clerks who were engaged in the commercial activities of the stores at the time of the robberies. The Hobbs Act prohibits actual or attempted robbery affecting interstate commerce. In each of the robberies, Gloude brandished a purple pistol and pointed it at the clerks when demanding money.

After receiving a CrimeStoppers tip, investigators were able to develop Gloude as a suspect. A review of Gloude’s public Facebook page showed photos of Gloude wearing clothes matching the clothing reported by the clerks in each store. Additionally, Gloude’s Facebook showed pictures of him brandishing a purple handgun and flashing fans of cash. The pistol was recovered after Gloude’s arrest and determined to have been reported stolen in Beaumont.

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