Armed Robbery and Shootout in Arlington: Two Suspects Arrested

Officers responding to the armed robbery situation in Arlington, ensuring the safety of hostages.

News Summary

On January 10, 2025, an armed robbery at CashMax Title Loan in Arlington led to a shootout between two suspects and the police. The suspects, Kelvin Bivens and Kevin Lewis, were arrested after holding employees hostage and firing at officers. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Bivens faces multiple charges while Lewis was apprehended shortly after the incident. The police emphasized the importance of community vigilance in ensuring public safety.

Armed Robbery and Shootout in Arlington: Two Suspects Arrested

In a dramatic turn of events that unfolded in Arlington, Texas, two suspects were arrested following an armed robbery and a shootout with the police that had the entire community on edge. The incident took place on January 10, 2025, at a local title loan business, the CashMax Title Loan, located in the 600 block of W. Pioneer Parkway.

A Calm Morning Turns Chaotic

What started as an ordinary weekday morning quickly spiraled into chaos when a passerby witnessed suspicious activity. As two men—later identified as 37-year-old Kelvin Bivens and 38-year-old Kevin Lewis—entered the title loan establishment with, what appeared to be, a firearm in hand, the alert citizen immediately dialed 911. Waiting for help, the employees were taken by surprise as Bivens pointed a handgun at them, instructing them to get down on the floor.

Inside the Business

Footage from surveillance cameras illuminated the tense moments that followed. Both Bivens and Lewis searched through a variety of employee belongings, rifling through drawers and purses. They then took things a step further by rounding up the terrified staff and escorting them to a back room, where the employees’ arms and legs were restrained with tape. As this horrifying scene played out, police officers were already en route and preparing to take action.

Police Response: Setting the Scene

Once officers arrived on site, they quickly established a perimeter around the building. This vital step helped ensure the safety of the employees held hostage inside. As officers made their presence known by knocking on the back door, Lewis emerged and attempted to make a run for it. In a shocking turn, Bivens, still inside, opened fire on the responding officers, prompting them to return fire in what became a dangerous standoff.

A Swift Capture

In a move that surprised many, Bivens tried to escape through the front door; however, he was promptly taken into custody without further incident. Fortunately, not a single officer or employee was injured during this fraught exchange of gunfire. The shaken workers managed to exit safely through the back door once the suspect was subdued. Overall, the quick action of law enforcement prevented what could have been a far more devastating outcome.

Following the Arrest

Now facing serious consequences, Bivens has been charged with aggravated assault against a public servant and aggravated robbery. He is currently being held at the Tarrant County Jail. Meanwhile, Lewis didn’t evade the police for long. Identified soon after, he was located and arrested by the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force on January 23 in Arlington. He is also wanted for his involvement in a parallel incident—a tragic shooting of a pharmaceuticals delivery driver in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Prior Criminal Histories

In a further twist, both suspects have prior criminal records, with Bivens notably having active warrants for aggravated robbery out of Louisiana. The seriousness of these charges demonstrates the ongoing issues faced by communities dealing with repeat offenders.

Community’s Role and Ongoing Investigation

As this all unfolded, the Arlington Police Department released various forms of evidence, including body camera footage and surveillance from inside the location. The officers involved have since returned to active duty after their standard evaluation period post-incident. Arlington Police Chief Al Jones took a moment to applaud the community member who called in the information, underscoring how critical it is for everyone to remain vigilant about public safety.

Conclusion

The events of January 10 will surely leave a lasting mark on Arlington. As the investigation continues, residents are encouraged to stay alert and proactive in reporting any suspicious behavior. In a world where every second counts, community vigilance proved to be invaluable in this tense situation.