Evansville man charged with two eastside business robberies

Alleged to have robbed a Walmart Neighborhood Market and Walgreens Pharmacy

PRESS RELEASE

Evansville—United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today charges against an Evansville man for his role in two Evansville robberies. Malcolm Washington 24, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of robbery and using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.

“Reducing violent crime in our neighborhoods remains a top priority of my office,” said Minkler. “Those who choose to terrorize our local businesses using firearms, will face the hammer of federal prosecution.”

Count one of the indictment alleges that on October 17, 2016, Washington entered the Walmart Neighborhood Market at 3430 Taylor Avenue and while brandishing a firearm stole money from the cash register and cigarettes from the counter. He also demanded employees to go to a certain area of the store and took their debit cards and cell phones.

Count two and three of the indictment allege on October 17, 2016, Washington entered the Walgreens at 925 South Green River Road and brandished a firearm demanding the clerk take him to the business safe and took money from both the safe and the cash register.

A short time after the Walgreens’ robbery, officers from the Evansville Police Department located Washington in the vicinity carrying a handgun in his coat pocket. He pointed the gun at the officers but dropped it on the ground. He picked it up and ran from the officers but was quickly apprehended a short time later.  

This case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Evansville Police Department and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office.

“There is no place in our community for individuals who use firearms for criminal purposes,” said Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division.  “ATF will continue to work with the United States Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the Evansville Police Department, and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office to ensure that individuals who engage in violent acts are brought to justice.”

“The Evansville Police Department appreciates the continued assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office as we work together to remove dangerous criminals from our community,” said Chief Billy Bolin.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Lauren M. Wheatley who is prosecuting this case for the government, Washington could face up to life imprisonment if convicted on all counts.

An indictment is only charge and not evidence of guilt. All parties are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in federal court.