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License plate reader helps police catch Kan. robbery suspect

TOPEKA, Kan. — A Kansas man was indicted in federal court Wednesday on a charge of robbing a Walgreens store, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Bill Chavez -photo KDOC

Bill Oliver Chavez, 42, Topeka, is charged with one count of robbing a commercial business. The indictment alleges that on Sept. 13, 2018, Chavez robbed a Walgreens store at 3696 S.W. Topeka Blvd.

Documents filed in court allege he lifted his shirt and showed the cashier what appeared to be the butt of a gun. The cashier emptied the register and the robber left the store with the money.

Surveillance video showed the robber was driving a four-door Nissan Maxima with a sunroof. An investigator used data from a license plate reader to help narrow the search for cars and owners that fit the description.

If convicted, Chavez faces a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

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