Jones
A man and a woman were arrested Dec. 18, 2013, hours after the third robbery that has taken place at Lighthouse Place mall in the past several weeks. In this latest crime, a 70-year-old man was repeatedly stabbed as he and his wife were targeted.
Michigan City Police said officers were dispatched Dec. 18 at 11:50 a.m. to the mall’s east parking area for the report of a robbery with injury. The man was repeatedly stabbed in his torso as he and his wife,
Simpson
67, were robbed after they returned to their car.
“The victim and his wife reported that they were returning to their vehicle in the parking lot and entered the vehicle. Shortly afterwards the passenger door came open and a black male began demanding the victim’s purse. During the confrontation, the victim received stab wounds to his torso area. The suspect then was able to take (the wife’s) purse and ran,” police stated in a press release.
Within hours after the couple gave a detailed description of the suspect, the purse was recovered and the alleged stabber was identified through photographs, police said. A photo of the suspect was distributed to all officers.
The suspect, Willie Jones, listed as homeless, was spotted at 9:15 p.m. entering the GO LO gas station at 1133 E. Michigan Blvd. Jones was taken into custody.
Police learned a woman was also allegedly involved in the robbery. At 9:30 p.m., Kenisha Simpson, 29, was taken into custody near the intersection of Willard Avenue and 10th Street. She was found to be in possession of property taken during the robbery.
Jones was being held on preliminary charges of armed robbery, a Class B felony, and aggravated battery, a Class B felony. Simpson was being held on preliminary charges of assisting a criminal, a Class B felony, and possession of stolen property, a Class D felony.
The stabbing victim was reported in stable condition Dec. 19 after undergoing surgery. Police said the couple is extremely grateful for the hard work, recovery of property and quick arrest of the suspects.
More charges may be pending.
“As we are presently in the final stages of the holiday shopping season, Michigan City Police and Lighthouse Premium Outlets have met to help curb any further incidents,” a police press release stated. “Chief Swistek has assigned more manpower through the mall area. In addition, Lighthouse Premium Outlets has hired additional off-duty officers to patrol the mall and parking areas for the remainder of this holiday season.”
To report suspicious activity or a crime, call the MCPD Crime Tip Hotline at (219) 873-1488.