Two Indianapolis men have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in the armed robbery of a CVS pharmacy in Speedway, Indiana, in April 2024.
John Rice, 45, received a six-year federal prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Robert Larue, 29, was sentenced to eight years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Larue pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery, possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Court documents show that on April 13, 2024, Larue and Rice entered the CVS on Cunningham Road armed with guns. They handed an employee a note that said, “Open the register and nobody has to get hurt.” The two fled the store in a blue Chevrolet Captiva with cash that included a GPS tracker.
Speedway Police responded quickly and located the suspects within thirty minutes. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Larue and Rice fled on foot but were apprehended after a short pursuit. Police recovered two semiautomatic pistols—one from Larue’s pants pocket and another from Rice’s backpack—as well as $1,576 in cash and the GPS tracker.
Larue has previous felony convictions for armed robbery (2011 and 2006) and auto theft (2000), which prohibit him from legally possessing firearms.
“These armed criminals terrorized employees, putting innocent lives at risk for quick cash,” said Tom Wheeler, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Thanks to the quick action of Speedway Police and our federal partners, they were caught within minutes and will now spend years in prison. We will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that those who use guns to commit violent crimes and intimidate the public are swiftly brought to justice.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives worked alongside Speedway Police Department on this case. U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon imposed the sentences.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Barloh for prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations.
