CVS robbery suspect linked to more crimes

A 17-year-old boy charged as an adult for the armed robbery of the CVS Pharmacy on Feb. 16 is suspected of the armed robbery of Marsh North on Feb. 17 and attempted robbery of Journey’s store in College Mall on Jan. 31.

The Bloomington Police Department arrested Philip Dida John Jacob on Feb. 18 for resisting law enforcement after he was reportedly seen huffing cans of keyboard cleaner at the downtown bus terminal.

Police found a BB gun designed to look like a Beretta 9 millimeter handgun in Jacob’s book bag along with four cans of compressed air keyboard cleaners, white gloves and blue latex gloves similar to those worn by the second suspect during the robbery at CVS South and by both suspects during the robbery at Marsh North, according to court documents.

Jacob was charged as a juvenile with resisting law enforcement, BPD Sgt. Steve Kellams said. He ran away after being released to his parents.

Avon police arrested Jacob Feb. 20 for robbing a taxi driver at gun point.

Police found Jacob had another BB gun similar to the one he had during his arrest on Feb.18, according to court documents.

“Even though he is 17 years old he is being charged,” Jeff Kehr, first deputy prosecutor for Monroe County, said. “Robbery with a deadly weapon qualifies him as a direct file into adult court.”

Indiana law defines a deadly weapon as a destructive device or weapon intended to be used to cause serious bodily injury.

Dennis Barbosa