PORTLAND — A Westbrook man has been arrested on a federal charge related to an incident in Westbrook that is believed to be part of a string of armed robberies or attempted armed robberies, two of which occurred in Old Orchard Beach.
Travis Card, 38, was charged Friday with interference with commerce by robbery, according to a press release from the United States Department of Justice.
Card allegedly took and obtained property against the will on an employee at a Gulf Mart convenience store in Westbrook by means of threatened force, violence and fear of injury by brandishing a dangerous weapon on April 6, according to a criminal complaint by FBI Agent Patrick Clancy filed in U.S. District Court.
On that date, Card allegedly entered the store, approached the clerk with what appeared to be a black firearm, and directed the clerk to open the register and give him money, according to the press release. He left with more than $500, according to the press release.
If convicted, Card faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The April 6 incident in Westbrook is one of 11 alleged incidents including eight armed robberies and three attempted armed robberies that authorities believe are related and occurred in the greater Portland area between March 20 and April 11.
Two of these alleged incidents occurred in Old Orchard Beach.
An armed robbery was reported at the China Eatery Restaurant in Old Orchard Beach on March 29. The alleged robbery resulted in the loss of about $500.
An attempted armed robbery was reported on April 11 at Moby Dick Variety and Motel in Old Orchard Beach. An employee reportedly grabbed a club and the alleged potential robber ran out without obtaining any money.
Cell phone data locates Card in the general areas of the robberies and attempted robberies at the time of the incidents, according to Clancy.
Police seized a black BB gun and and a pair of boots from Card’s apartment in Westbrook. The tread pattern was consistent with impressions in the snow at the reported April 6 robbery at Gulf Mart in Westbrook. Also, police believe the voice of the alleged robber in an audio recording from the Gulf Mart robbery matches Card’s voice.
A discarded sneaker found in Westbrook on April 1 with DNA that matched Card’s, was similar in appearance and brand to those seen on the robber in video footage from a March 20 incident at the Riverton Gas Station in Portland. The sneaker treads matched footprints found in the snow in locations where three of the incidents occurred. Card’s work truck is similar to the vehicle the attempted robber ran into after the alleged Moby Dick attempted robbery.
Card is currently being held in state custody on related charges, according to the press release from the Department of Justice. An ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI, in conjunction with Portland, Westbrook, Falmouth, Cumberland, South Portland, and Old Orchard Beach Police Departments.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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