INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Robbery detectives identified and arrested Shane Baker (35), for his alleged involvement in the robbery of an elderly female.
Just before 5:30 p.m. on 08/30/2018, IMPD officers were dispatched to the Kroger at 2600 E 65th St on reports of a robbery that had just occurred. Responding officers met with an elderly female victim who stated that she was loading groceries into her vehicle when an unknown male pulled her purse of her shoulder, ultimately knocking her to the ground causing her to sustain injuries. Witnesses in the area described the suspect as a white male and that he fled the scene in a Gray SUV.
Robbery detectives reviewed the case and found shoplifting cases where a vehicle of a similar description was used. Through keen investigative work, detectives were able to identify the suspect and through surveillance video, observed the suspect allegedly use a stolen credit card from the robbery, to put gas in a gray Ford Escape at the BP gas station at 52nd and Keystone Ave.
Detectives then obtained a search warrant for the suspect vehicle and for Baker’s apartment. As they went to execute the search warrants, Baker got into the Ford Escape and began leaving the area. Southwest District Flex Team officers then pulled the vehicle over and were able to detain Baker on separate warrants. After executing the search warrant at Baker’s apartment, detectives allegedly located items from the robbery, as well as a purse that had been stolen in a separate incident in the 4600 block of Lafayette Rd (PD18093275).
Baker was transported to the IMPD Robbery Office for questioning and then was later taken to Central Booking for processing. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will review the case and make a charging decision.
Not only did witnesses assist in this investigation, but private business surveillance cameras and credit card tracking did as well. Technology plays a vital role in law enforcement investigations. As advancements are made in the tech world, law enforcement becomes even more effective in catching those who would perpetuate crime in their communities. As a part of the proposed 2019 budget, the IMPD will be updating various pieces of technological equipment and adding additional tools for investigators to help limit a criminal’s ability to circumvent the justice system and to bring greater peace to Indianapolis. This incident also showed great coordination between detectives and Southwest District Flex Team and Officers to ensure the suspect was apprehended. The IMPD is grateful for the community’s continued partnership in our efforts to make Indianapolis a safer city!
Anyone with information about this incident should 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.
A charge of a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
