HOBART, IN – After an intensive month-long pursuit, a 19-year-old Merrillville resident is now in custody, bringing an end to a string of robberies that had the community on edge.
According to Hobart Police, Marrell Tyler’s alleged involvement in a series of bold robberies culminated in his arrest by Department Officers, with assistance from the US Marshal’s Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force.
Tyler’s criminal escapade began over a month ago on June 29, 2023, when he allegedly walked into a gas station situated at Old Ridge Road and Northlake Park Avenue. Armed with an unidentified chemical spray, he confronted an employee, dousing her in the face. Luckily, the employee’s glasses shielded her from the brunt of the attack, and she escaped major injury. Subduing her, Tyler seized her car key and made a swift getaway.
Tyler then allegedly targeted another victim at the gas pumps. Using the same chemical spray, he demanded the victim’s car keys. The victim to evade Tyler’s grasp, and they promptly alerted the Hobart Police. A prompt response from law enforcement led to the discovery of a damaged ankle monitoring bracelet, which Tyler had discarded in an attempt to evade detection.
Tyler’s evasion finally came to an end when US Marshals, working in tandem with Hobart Officers, located him at a residence on Adams Street in Gary.
Tyler now faces charges of Robbery, Attempted Armed Robbery, Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury, Attempted Auto Theft, and Escape.
