Alonzo Sansbury : “Fondness for Funyuns Leads to Arrest in Indy Robberies”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Funyuns robbery suspect
2. Indy robberies arrest

A 55-year-old man, Alonzo Sansbury, was arrested in Indianapolis for a pair of thefts on the north side. The suspect attempted to pay with a fake $100 bill at Dollar Tree before demanding money from the register. He then targeted Big Lots, brandishing a handgun and stealing cash along with some Funyuns. Surveillance footage showed him wearing specific clothing and leaving in a white van with a noticeable limp. Police tracked him down using license plate readers and found incriminating evidence in his vehicle. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final charging decision.

The Scene of the Crime

Last Friday, the quiet north side of Indianapolis was shaken by a series of unusual thefts that left residents scratching their heads. The first incident took place at the Dollar Tree on North Keystone Avenue. A man attempted to use a fake $100 bill to make a purchase before demanding money from the register. This brazen act of theft set the stage for a string of crimes that would follow.

Just 30 minutes later, the same suspect struck again, this time at Big Lots on North Allisonville Road. Armed with a handgun, the thief made off with cash and an unexpected item – a bag of Funyuns. The combination of robbery and snack food left both witnesses and law enforcement puzzled.

The Suspect

Surveillance footage from both locations provided crucial evidence in identifying the suspect. The man was described as wearing a gray long-sleeve shirt, a black stocking cap, gray sweatpants, and black and orange shoes. In addition, he had a noticeable limp and made his getaway in a white van. These distinctive details would prove to be key in tracking down the perpetrator.

Through the use of license plate readers, police were able to locate the suspect, later identified as 55-year-old Alonzo Sansbury, at a nearby gas station. A search of his vehicle revealed clothing matching the description from the surveillance footage, as well as a bag of Funyuns. The unlikely snack choice would become a defining factor in Sansbury’s arrest.

The Investigation

The investigation into these unusual thefts involved a collaborative effort between IMPD Covert Robbery, the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, the Auto Theft Unit, and the IMPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. The coordinated response led to the swift apprehension of the suspect and the recovery of stolen items.

Now, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will determine the final charges to be brought against Sansbury. The case of the Funyun thief has captivated the community and law enforcement alike, showcasing the unique nature of criminal activity in the area.

As residents reflect on the events of that fateful Friday, one thing is certain – a love for snack food can sometimes lead down a dangerous path.