AMES – An Iowa man who robbed two businesses in Ames while armed with a handgun was caught after his second crime and now faces numerous charges.
On January 7, 2020, at 10:32 p.m., the Ames Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery at Swift Stop, 3218 Orion Drive. According to the convenience store employee, a suspect entered the store and displayed a handgun. The suspect demanded money and exited the store with an undisclosed amount of money. The employee was not injured during the robbery. The suspect was described as a white male wearing a ski mask and a green coat. Officers responded to the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.
A second armed robbery was reported on January 8, 2020 at 1:03 a.m. at Kum and Go, 4506 Lincoln Way. The suspect entered the store, displayed a handgun and demanded money from the clerk. The suspect exited the store with an undisclosed amount of money. The employee was not injured. The suspect was wearing the same clothing as the above robbery.
The suspect was located by officers a short time later in the 4400 block of Lincoln Swing as he was leaving the area in a vehicle. Anthony D. Gardner, age 23, of Ames, was arrested and charged with:
• Robbery 1st degree, a class “B” felony
• Robbery 1st degree, a class “B” felony
• Driving while license suspended, simple misdemeanor
• Failure to use headlamps, simple misdemeanor
• Failure to use seatbelt, simple misdemeanor
Investigation into this incident continues by the Ames Police Department. Boone County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa State University Police assisted in the investigation.