Armed robbery suspect allegedly involved in string of robberies, police say

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. –Authorities say the suspect of an armed robbery at a Michigan City gas station may have been involved in a string of robberies.

According to a press release, officers took a 31-year-old suspect into custody following an armed robbery at the SAVE gas station located at 1811 Franklin.

Officers were dispatched to the SAVE gas station regarding an armed robbery, prompting a search for the suspect and the suspect's vehicle.

A short time later, two officers discovered a subject and vehicle matching reported descriptions at the GOLO station located at Michigan and Popular.

The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Ian Ladwaune Rawls.

Authorities say Rawls fled as a uniformed officer gave chase.

Rawls then attempted to re-enter his vehicle but according to the release, he was stopped by an officer at gunpoint and placed into police custody.

Rawls' vehicle was secured as evidence and impounded as a result.

The release further states Rawls was taken into police custody after a victim identified him as the suspect.

Rawls faces preliminary charges of Resisting Law Enforcement, Operating without a Driver’s License and Armed Robbery, a Level 3 Felony.

A lead investigator with the department took over the scene.

The LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office issued a search warrant of Rawls' vehicle in front of a judge where additional evidence was retrieved, reportedly linking Rawls to the robbery.

Suspect descriptions filed in multiple reports over several days potentially link Rawls to several armed robberies, authorities say.

Rawls is suspected to have been involved in a string of robberies in LaPorte County, according to the release.

Detectives from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department and Michigan City Police Department are actively investigating these cases.

The investigation is on-going and charges are pending.


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