Second suspect in Walmart incident identified

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- The second person who was allegedly involved in an incident at the Walmart on US 20 in Elkhart Wednesday morning has been identified. Deputies said the suspects were believed to be conspiring to commit armed robbery.

The second suspect was identified as 28-year-old Seth Allen.

Around 8 a.m. Wednesday, deputies with the Elkhart County Sheriff's Department were called to Walmart after an employee saw a man walking into the store while putting on a ballistic vest, reports said.

When deputies arrived, they located two men in a black 2001 Chevy Impala listening to a police scanner, reports said.

The driver, Joseph Gerber II was in possession of several knives and a handgun with an obliterated serial number, reports said.

The passenger, 28-year-old Seth Allen, was in possession of several knives, police said.

Deputies learned Gerber, Allen and a third person who fled the scene had conspired to commit armed robbery, reports said.

Gerber was taken into custody for conspiracy to commit armed robbery, possession of a handgun with obliterated identification marks, possession of a handgun without a permit and illegal possession of a police scanner.

Allen was wanted on a warrant on a weapons related charge and dealing in methamphetamines. He was taken into custody by the US Marshals.

Allen was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 14 for being a felon in possession of a gun and possession of methamphetamine.

The third suspect has not been identified or apprehended.

The Elkhart County Prosecutor's Office is considering charges of conspiracy to impersonate a public servant, and conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery.