THPD: Victim battered, robbed while meeting up to buy cellphone

ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

When someone looking to buy a cellphone recently met up with a stranger for a possible transaction, he instead allegedly had his cash, a cellphone and wallet stolen from him during a violent encounter on the city's south side.

The Terre Haute Police Department announced today that three arrests have been made in connection to the case in the past week, including:

• Brandy E. Reeves, 20, of Terre Haute, was booked into the Vigo County Jail April 12. She is charged with robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 2 felony and criminal confinement resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 3 felony.
• A juvenile suspect,  D’Andre L. Caruthers, 17, also of Terre Haute, was arrested April 15.  He  reportedly was waived to adult court due to the serious nature of the crime. He is charged with robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 2 felony and criminal confinement resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 3 felony.
• Charles L. Carter,/36, of Middletown, was booked into the Vigo County Jail April 17. He is charged with robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 2 felony.​

According to the THPD, officers responded to the 2400 block of S. 11 ½ Street  on a report of the armed robbery April 10. 

The victim had reportedly gone to meet with a person known only by a nickname at the time to see about buying a phone.

The situation quickly turned violent, officials say.

Instead, he was allegedly battered while inside a vehicle with the suspects, where he was struck several times with a handgun --- which has not been recovered. Investigation revealed it  had fired during the incident.

A THPD spokesperson said the victim suffered injuries during the attack.

 "He was shoved out of the car as it was moving and received injuries to his lower extremities as well as cuts to his face from being struck with the firearm," according to the report.