The Palestine Police Department has arrested four individuals in connection to an armed robbery at the Scorpion Smoke Shop on December 23, 2024.
Around 9 p.m. on the 23rd, officers responded to the smoke shop located at 4222 W Oak in reference to a robbery. A male and female suspect entered the store, where the male displayed a handgun and demanded money from the employee. The female suspect then sprayed mace or pepper spray into the business as they fled in a red Nissan SUV.
Following an investigation and a Crime Stoppers tip, Sgt. Jason Waldon identified the male suspect as Charles Blake Defore, 36, of Elkhart. A search warrant for Defore's residence in the 400 block of Highway 287 in Elkhart was obtained and executed on December 26th. Upon arrival, officers found the red Nissan SUV outside the residence.
During the operation, officers made contact with Tammy Marie Defore, 38, who confirmed Charles Defore was inside. A second person of interest, Abril Espinosa, 25, of Palestine, was also located inside. After refusing to exit, the PPD Emergency Response Team (ERT) deployed chemical agents, prompting both Defore and Espinosa to surrender. Charles Defore attempted to escape but was apprehended after exiting through a broken bedroom window. Cynthia Carr Penland, 38, of Elkhart, was also found inside the residence.
Evidence linking both Charles Defore and Espinosa to the robbery was discovered, and arrest warrants for Espinosa were obtained. All four individuals were arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including Aggravated Robbery, Hinder Apprehension or Prosecution of Known Felon, and Interfering with Public Duties. Charles Defore faces additional charges of possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Both Charles Defore and Espinosa are currently on parole. The investigation remains ongoing.
