Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

INDIANAPOLIS –United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that an Indianapolis man has been indicted on 22 counts related to recent robberies in the Indianapolis area.  Donnell E. Gilder, 22, was indicted on 11 counts of robbery, nine counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
 
“Protecting our neighborhoods from violent crime is a top priority in my office,” said Minkler.  “Terrorizing this community with guns and violence will not be tolerated and those who do, will be arrested, prosecuted, and sent to federal prison.”
 
The indictment alleges that between February 29, 2016, and April 27, 2016, Gilder robbed 10 Speedway Gas Stations and a Marsh Supermarket on the Northeast side of Indianapolis.  On two occasions, he discharged a handgun during the robbery.
 
The criminal complaint filed earlier this month alleges that on April 27, 2016, at approximately 3:45 a.m., Gilder approached the Speedway gas station located at 5900 E 71st Street.  The clerk, who was outside the building on a break, saw Gilder approach dressed in all black.  She quickly ran back into the store and locked the front door.  Gilder is alleged to have fired a handgun at the door, shattering the glass and narrowly missing the clerk.
 
The criminal complaint further alleges that a short while later, Gilder was seen driving a stolen vehicle near the robbery scene.  IMPD officers attempted to stop the vehicle but Gilder jumped from the vehicle while it was still in gear.  The stolen vehicle continued rolling and struck an officer’s patrol car.  Officers continued to chase Gilder and apprehended him a few blocks away.  Officers recovered a loaded 9mm handgun from the pursuit route. 
 
This case was investigated by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.
 
“This investigation is an example of our renewed focus on targeting those individuals committing violent crime in Indianapolis,” said Chief Troy Riggs.  “I would like to thank the officers and detectives who worked tirelessly to take this violent individual off of our streets.  We are appreciative of the US Attorney’s Office for their partnership and willingness to prosecute these cases at the federal level.” 
 
“There is no place in our society for those who use firearms for violent, criminal purposes,” said Donald Soranno, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division.  “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who would do harm in our community are brought to justice.”
 
State level criminal charges were initially filed against Gilder by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.  Those charges have been dismissed to allow for the federal prosecution of these acts.
 
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey D. Preston, who is prosecuting this case for the government, Gilder faces a minimum of 260 years in prison if convicted of all charges.
 
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. All parties are presumed innocent until proved guilty in federal court.
 
 

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