Malcolm Washington, Robbery and Using a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Indiana 2016

Malcolm Washington, 24, of Evansville, is facing federal charges for a violent crime spree that terrorized two eastside businesses on October 17, 2016. Indicted on three counts including robbery and using a firearm during a crime of violence, Washington allegedly stormed into the Walmart Neighborhood Market at 3430 Taylor Avenue, brandished a handgun, and demanded cash, cigarettes, employee debit cards, and cell phones—all while forcing staff into a restricted area of the store.

Minutes later, Washington allegedly struck again at the Walgreens located at 925 South Green River Road. According to the federal indictment, he entered the pharmacy, pointed his firearm at the clerk, and ordered them to open the business safe. He stole money from both the safe and the register, escalating the danger to employees and customers with the visible threat of deadly force.

A short time after the second robbery, Evansville Police Department officers spotted Washington in the area with a handgun visibly tucked in his coat pocket. When confronted, he drew the weapon and pointed it at law enforcement before dropping it and attempting to flee. He was captured moments later, still in possession of the firearm used during the robberies.

The case was aggressively pursued by federal and local agencies working in tandem. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Evansville Police Department, and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office jointly investigated the string of violent acts. Their swift coordination led to Washington’s arrest and federal indictment within days.

“Those who choose to terrorize our local businesses using firearms, will face the hammer of federal prosecution,” warned United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren M. Wheatley, who is prosecuting the case, confirmed Washington could face up to life imprisonment if convicted on all counts—each carrying severe mandatory minimums under federal law.

“There is no place in our community for individuals who use firearms for criminal purposes,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Trevor Velinor. Chief Billy Bolin of the Evansville Police Department echoed the sentiment, thanking federal partners for their role in removing dangerous offenders from city streets. An indictment is a formal charge and not evidence of guilt. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in federal court.

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