Full Notification

The Arlington Police Department responded to a robbery in the 1100 Block of E. Pioneer Pkwy around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2016. The victim told officers that the suspect entered the store wearing a “raid-style” vest that read “SWAT” on the back, wearing BDU-style tactical pants, and carrying an assault style rifle. The rifle ended up being an Airsoft BB gun. He fired several BB rounds from the rifle, striking the victim in the ankle. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is being treated for non-life threatening injuries. The suspect also had a real handgun tucked into his waistband during the commission of the offense.

The suspect fled the scene and a witness was able to relay his vehicle description and the direction of his escape. Officers from our East Patrol District were able to stop the suspect vehicle at Collins Street and Park Row Drive. He was taken into custody without incident. Matthew Paul Bender, 44 of Saginaw, is currently in the Arlington Jail on one count of Aggravated Robbery with initial bond sent at $15,000.

The cash taken from the business was recovered as well as the clothing from the suspect. The handgun was also recovered in addition to the Airsoft BB gun.