Serial robber who shot Indianapolis gas station clerk sentenced to 40 years

INDIANAPOLIS —An Indianapolis man’s violent robbery spree has earned him a 40-year stint in federal prison.

Tyrell Cage, 29, pleaded guilty to eight counts of interference with commerce by robbery, four counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm.

In addition to his 40-year federal prison sentence, Cage was ordered to pay $2,668 in restitution.

Cage’s accomplice, 36-year-old Jayla Deane, also pleaded guilty to robbery charges and was given a 10-year prison sentence.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Indiana, Cage robbed eight Indianapolis area businesses between April 25, 2021, and May 27, 2021. Deane assisted Cage in two of the robberies by serving as a decoy to distract employees, investigators said.

The businesses robbed by Cage with and without Deane were:

In addition to robbing the businesses of money and/or items, Cage is also accused of being violent and aggressive toward employees.

While robbing the McDonald’s, Cage fired three shots toward the employee.

While robbing Piezano’s Pizza, Cage bound an employee in duct tape.

When robbing the Valero gas station, Cage shot the clerk in the stomach and critically injured the employee.

“These defendants engaged in an armed spree of violence and intimidation, critically wounding an innocent person and terrorizing many more,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The lengthy federal prison sentences imposed here demonstrate that these grave offenses carry grave consequences.”

Police ended up arresting Cage on June 1, 2021, at an InTown Suite Hotel on 85th Street. Inside the room, investigators reported finding clothing and jewelry worn by Cage and Deane during their robberies. Police also found a handgun and stolen items related to the robberies such as a phone from T-Mobile and coloring books and pencils taken from Five Below.

Cage was previously convicted for robbery and battery causing serious bodily which probits him from legally owning a firearm.

Booking photos of Cage and Deane were not provided.

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