Topeka Gunman Gillom Admits to Arby’s & LJS Heists

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man with a penchant for fast food and firearms admitted Monday to holding up two local restaurants at gunpoint, including a particularly reckless incident where he fired a round into the ceiling. Gary L. Gillom, 30, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of armed robbery in federal court, bringing him one step closer to facing justice for his brazen crimes.

According to court documents, on June 26, 2016, Gillom stormed into the Arby’s restaurant located at 1187 Southwest Gage in Topeka, brandishing a firearm. He didn’t just want the cash quickly; he demanded it, ordering employees to hurry up with the money before escalating the situation by firing a single shot into the restaurant’s ceiling. A stupid move that ultimately led to his downfall.

The very next day, June 27, 2016, Gillom repeated his performance at the Long John Silver’s restaurant at 2746 Southwest Fairlawn in Topeka. Again, a firearm was brandished, and again, cash was stolen. This wasn’t a one-off; it was a pattern of calculated violence, fueled by greed. Investigators quickly connected the dots between the two robberies.

Gillom’s freedom didn’t last long. He was arrested on June 29, 2016, after law enforcement identified the vehicle used in both robberies. While Gillom is taking responsibility, his accomplice is already behind bars. Darien E. Fulton, 25, Topeka, Kan., previously received a six-year federal prison sentence for his role in the heists.

Gillom is now scheduled to be sentenced on September 11. He’s looking at a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 per count. That’s a hefty price to pay for a fast-food fueled crime spree. He’ll have plenty of time to reflect on his choices behind bars.

U.S. Attorney Tom Beall commended the dedicated work of the Topeka Police Department, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the FBI, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag in bringing Gillom to justice. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who choose violence and intimidation will be held accountable for their actions. The streets of Topeka are a little safer now that this gunman is facing the consequences.