On December 9, 2024, at approximately 2:33 p.m., the Nacogdoches Police Department responded to a 911 call from a gas station employee in the 3200 block of North St (US-59 Business). The employee reported that an armed black male had robbed the store, stealing an unspecified amount of money and other merchandise before fleeing on foot.
An immediate search was launched by multiple officers in the area. As the investigation progressed, officers expanded their focus to include a second suspect and a blue car believed to be connected to the robbery. This led to the discovery of the car in the 200 block of E. Lakewood St. and its occupant, 22-year-old Isaiah Hartsfield, who was arrested and charged with Aggravated Robbery. Hartsfield, a resident of Nacogdoches, is currently being held at the Nacogdoches County Jail.
As part of the investigation, officers identified a second suspect, 18-year-old Tristan Gardner, also from Nacogdoches, and linked him to the robbery. The search for Gardner prompted the evacuation of nearby residents in the 200 block of E. Lakewood St., as police believed he was inside an apartment. The SWAT team and negotiators were deployed to secure the area, but it was later determined that Gardner was not inside the apartment, and residents were allowed to return to their homes.
Gardner, who is considered armed and dangerous, remains at large. The Nacogdoches Police Department is actively pursuing his apprehension. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Nacogdoches Police Department or Nacogdoches Crime Stoppers at 560-INFO.
