Clarksville Man Facing Federal Charges After Foiled Robbery Attempt

Gabriel Gonzales, 18, of Clarksville, Tennessee, was charged yesterday in a criminal complaint with Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee. 

According to the complaint, on May 10, 2018, just before midnight, Gonzales and two other individuals accosted the clerk of Chip’s Quick Stop, located on Whites Creek Pike, as he was outside the store.  All of the individuals wore facial coverings and Gonzales was armed with a shotgun.  Gonzales pointed the shotgun at the clerk and ordered him back into the store.  The clerk then drew his own weapon and shot Gonzales.  As the two accomplices fled, the store clerk secured the shotgun and rendered first aid to Gonzales until medical personnel arrived.  Gonzales was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital where he required surgery for the gunshot wound.

Subsequent investigation determined that the shotgun used by Gonzales had been stolen in Clarksville, Tennessee in April 2018.

If convicted, Gonzales faces up to 20 years in prison for the robbery charge and an additional mandatory minimum of seven consecutive years for using a firearm during a crime of violence. 

This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Siji Moore is prosecuting the case. 

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.