College Station’s Night of Crime: Two Arrested in Robbery Cases
In College Station, Texas, a quiet night turned into a scene straight out of a crime movie when two individuals were arrested following a string of robberies that left victims shaken and the community on alert. The incidents took place at the Red Roof Inn on Texas Avenue and involved two separate victims, both of whom experienced dangerous confrontations.
The Incidents Unfold
It all began in the early morning hours of September 9, when police were called to the Red Roof Inn to respond to a report of aggravated robbery. Officers arrived to find one victim hiding in the lobby, visibly injured and in distress. This victim, who identified himself as an Uber driver, explained how he’d been lured into a trap set by a woman named Tashawna Franklin. She had requested his assistance in retrieving an item from her hotel room — a seemingly innocent request that quickly escalated into violence.
Once inside the room, the situation took a dark turn. Mark Roberts, Franklin’s accomplice, confronted the driver with a gun and began striking him, demanding his possessions. To make matters worse, Franklin also got involved, hitting the poor driver in the eye. Thankfully, the driver managed to escape and ran to the hotel’s front office to call the police. By the time officers arrived, he had sustained injuries to his head, neck, and left eye.
A Second Victim’s Harrowing Experience
What’s even more alarming is that this event was not isolated. The police discovered that just hours earlier, another victim had fallen prey to a similar scheme. This victim, aptly labeled as “Victim B” for privacy reasons, had arranged to meet a woman he met online at the same hotel. However, upon arrival, he was met with threats and violence. His ordeal involved being held at gunpoint by the duo, who demanded all his money.
While Victim B was coerced into contacting a friend to send him $200 via Cash App, Franklin cleverly left the room for a brief period, using that time to send the money to herself. Upon her return, she posed a significant threat, brandishing a Taser and showing paperwork connected to Victim B’s vehicle, which caused him to fear for his safety and his family’s wellbeing.
How Police Pieced It Together
As detectives began piecing the situation together, the investigation took on a life of its own. Upon examining the crime scenes, police found blood and evidence suggestive of a physical struggle. It became clear that the duo was experienced in this type of crime. In fact, they had already checked out of the hotel by the time law enforcement arrived.
The police quickly connected the dots when they discovered that the same individuals were responsible for both crimes. Surveillance footage tracked Franklin’s vehicle at several relevant locations tied to both incidents, while social media sleuthing revealed pictures of Roberts alongside Franklin, confirming their involvement.
A Look at Criminal Backgrounds
As authorities dug deeper, they uncovered Roberts’ troubling history. He had been arrested numerous times and had a lengthy record, including over 20 prior criminal offenses. His criminal past certainly painted a picture of someone who had been in trouble with the law for a while.
Community’s Reaction and Potential Safety Risks
The astonishing nature of these crimes has understandably left the community feeling uneasy. The thought that two individuals could cause such harm in such a short timeframe raises concerns for many residents. Both victims were able to identify Roberts and Franklin in photo lineups, which will now help in securing charges against them.
As we move forward, it serves as a stark reminder that safety can be compromised in just a moment, and it’s essential for everyone to remain vigilant, especially in situations that may seem innocent at first. Thankfully, both victims survived their encounters, but the impact on their lives will undoubtedly linger long after the physical injuries have healed.
