IMPD Robbery Detectives Arrest a Man for a Series of Overnight Robberies

INDIANAPOLIS – On July 26, 2021, at approximately 12:49 AM, officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) were called to investigate an armed robbery at the BP gas station located at 4949 E Thompson Road.  Upon arrival, officers confirmed an attempted armed robbery had occurred. IMPD Robbery Unit responded to the scene and began their investigation. 

At approximately 1:21 AM, IMPD officers were dispatched to 8010 S Emerson Avenue to investigate a robbery of a business at the Speedway Gas Station.  Officers arrived on scene and confirmed a second attempted armed robbery had occurred.

At approximately 1:30 AM, IMPD officers were dispatched to 8925 S Emerson Avenue to investigate a robbery of a business at the Shell Gas Station.  Officers arrived on scene and confirmed a third attempted armed robbery had occurred. 

During the investigation, detectives learned that the description of the suspect in all three robberies were the same. The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 40-50 years of age with a black t-shirt, jean shorts, and a silver handgun, driving a black Kia Soul. This information lead investigator to believe all three incidents were connected. 

At approximately 1:29 AM, while an officer was speaking with a victim they observed a white male matching the description given in all three robberies driving a black Kia Soul pull into the parking lot at 8010 S. Emerson Avenue.  Additional, information given to officers on scene confirmed the male they observed later identified as William Eland III was allegedly involved in all three incidents. Eland II was taken into custody without further incident.

William Eland III was arrested for three counts of attempted robbery. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final charging decision. Eland III was allegedly involved in the following cases which occurred on July 26, 2021,

4949 E. Thompson Rd           BP Gas Station              IP210040497
8010 S. Emerson Avenue     Speedway Gas Station IP210040487
8925 S. Emerson Avenue     Shell Gas Station           IP210049659

Anyone with any further information about these incidents should call the IMPD Homicide/Robbery Office at 317.327.3475 or 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 defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.