Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and Federal Bureau of Investigations-Violent Crimes Task Force Unit arrested 38-year-old Howard Jones Jr. and 37-year-old Ashley Bell on Sunday, November 6, 2022, following a robbery at a Family Dollar.
On Sunday, November 6, 2022, IMPD robbery detectives and FBI Violent Crimes Task Force Unit (VCTF) were conducting a follow-up investigation near 5300 North Keystone due to an increase of robberies in the area. Detectives observed a male run outside of the Family Dollar, located at 5135 N. Keystone Ave. Detectives ran towards the Family Dollar to further investigate, detectives were then alerted the suspect was still inside of the business. Detectives retreated to implement a safe tactical approach, at which time the suspect ran outside of the business.
Detectives observed the suspect run north and then immediately east of the Family Dollar. Detectives advised other responding officers in the area. As this incident rapidly evolved, a blue Ford Escape was see leaving the closed businesses near the area. IMPD North District officers attempted to stop the Ford Escape. The driver of the vehicle then led officers on a brief pursuit. During the pursuit, the fleeing vehicle became disabled, and the pursuit ended.
The passenger of that vehicle, later identified as Howard Jones Jr., fled from the front passenger side of the Ford Escape, and was quickly apprehended by North District officer. Jones Jr. was transported to an area hospital for suspicion of a possible drug overdose. Jones Jr. was evaluated and released into police custody. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Ashley Bell, was also apprehended by North District officers without further incident. Detectives located several items of evidence linking the suspects to previous robberies along North Keystone Avenue. A black weighted Glock airsoft gun was also recovered.
As the investigation continued detectives were able arrested both Jones and Bell for armed robbery.
The suspects are believed to be involved in the following robberies:
IP220100810 - 10/10/22 - Walgreens 5199 N. Keystone Ave.
IP220102959 - 10/16/22 - Walgreens 5199 N. Keystone Ave.
IP220105400 - 10/23/22 - Walgreens 5199 N. Keystone Ave.
IP220106466- 10/26/22 - CVS 2330 E 46th St.
IP220107204 - 10/28/22 - Family Dollar 5135 N. Keystone Ave.
IP220108133 - 10/31/22 - Smoke Kulture 5310 N. Keystone Ave.
IP220110373- 11/06/22 - Family Dollar 5135 N. Keystone Ave.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will review the case and make the final charging decision. These investigations are still ongoing.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact the IMPD Robbery Office at 317.327.3475.
**Media inquiries must be made to the IMPD Public Affairs Office**
Alternatively, they can call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS). Citizens can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip or go to www.CrimeTips.org to submit a web tip. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000 if the information leads to a felony arrest. Only tips submitted directly and anonymously to Crime Stoppers are eligible for these cash rewards. This release may be updated as more information becomes available. Information given via Crime Stoppers should be considered anonymous.
A charge of a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Case Number IP220110373
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