Two Charged Following Alleged Armed Robbery, Search in Lawrenceburg

The incident took place on Monday.

Draven Ray Rogers and Sophia Isabella Swango. Photo via the Dearborn County Sheriff's Office. 

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Draven Ray Rogers, age 22, and Sophia Isabella Swango, age 20, have been charged in connection with an alleged armed robbery that occurred on July 20 near Shipping Street and Main Street in Lawrenceburg.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the victim arranged through social media to meet Swango near a Lawrenceburg tattoo shop. After Swango entered the victim’s vehicle, Rogers allegedly entered the back seat, displayed a handgun and ordered the victim to drive to a nearby parking area between two semi-trailers.

RELATED: Armed Robbery Reported in Lawrenceburg

Investigators say Rogers struck the victim in the face and that cash and other property were taken from the victim and his vehicle. Rogers allegedly threatened to shoot the victim unless he surrendered his cellphone and warned him not to drive away after Rogers and Swango exited the vehicle. The victim then drove from the area, sounded his horn and sought help from a nearby person.

Rogers fled the area in a gray Kia and drove westbound in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 50, nearly colliding with responding law enforcement officers and other traffic. 

A large-scale search ensued for the suspects. Rogers was taken into custody after a brief standoff near Domino's Pizza. Swango was apprehended at a later time after a ping of her cellphone. 

The incident, which started around 3:00 p.m. concluded with both suspects being in custody around 7:10 p.m. 

Rogers and Swango face numerous charges. Rogers has been charged with Robbery While Armed with a Deadly Weapon, a Level 3 Felony, Kidnapping, a Level 3 Felony, Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon, Level 6 Felony, Resisting Law Enforcement, a Level 6 Felony, Theft and Battery, both Class A Misdemeanors.

Swango has been charged with Robbery, a Level 5 Felony and Theft, a Class A Misdemeanor.

“This case began with an alleged social-media meeting and quickly escalated into a terrifying armed encounter,” Prosecuting Attorney Lynn Deddens said. “The allegations describe not only a gun being pointed at a victim, but also dangerous flight that placed responding officers and innocent motorists at risk. I am grateful for the immediate response and cooperation of the Lawrenceburg Police Department, Dillsboro Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Indiana State Police, Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana Department of Natural Resources who assisted in locating the suspects.”