TAMPA, Fla. – A man accused of a string of armed gas station robberies is now in custody, thanks to some sharp detective work by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
Ian Charles Gasperson, 29, was arrested Sunday afternoon after investigators linked him to a series of robberies that had the community on edge.
It all began Saturday when deputies started receiving calls about a man holding up gas stations with a gun. These terrifying incidents happened at three different locations:
- A 7-Eleven at 18902 N. Dale Mabry Highway
- A Circle K at 6211 N. Dale Mabry Highway
- Another Circle K at the intersection of Race Track Road and Tampa Road in Pinellas County
Detectives quickly pieced things together and discovered the vehicle used in the crimes was a rental car. They reached out to the rental company, which helped them identify Gasperson as the person who had rented it.
During their investigation, deputies searched the car and found evidence directly tying Gasperson to the robberies. That evidence was enough to charge him with several serious crimes, including two counts of robbery with a firearm. He’s also facing charges for possession of controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, and introducing contraband into a detention facility.
The investigation is still ongoing, so more details could come out in the future.
Sheriff Chad Chronister praised the team’s swift actions, saying, “I’m incredibly proud of our detectives for acting quickly to get this dangerous individual off the streets. At HCSO, we are dedicated to keeping our businesses and communities safe. Let this be a reminder that violence won’t be tolerated, and those who commit such crimes will face justice.”
Initially, HCSO reported a much longer list of charges, including burglary and theft, but they have since clarified the charges against Gasperson.
For now, investigators continue to dig deeper into the case to ensure justice is served and the community remains safe.
