Partners in crime paused robbery spree to get hitched in Vegas — before getting busted on Valentine’s Day: feds

The Modern-Day Bonnie and Clyde: A Tale of Love and Crime

In a story that seems to have been pulled straight from a Hollywood movie, a California couple, Antonio Lamar Bland, 36, and Abigail Luckey, 49, has captured the attention of the nation for their alleged involvement in a string of armed robberies across the state. Dubbed the modern-day Bonnie and Clyde, the pair, along with their accomplice Ronnie Tucker, 23, reportedly carried out a daring crime spree that included 12 armed robberies, a whirlwind wedding in Las Vegas, and a dramatic arrest on Valentine’s Day. While their story is undeniably thrilling, it also raises questions about the intersection of love, crime, and the lengths people will go to for each other.

The Crime Spree: A Calculated and Brazen Operation

The alleged robbery spree, which unfolded over several weeks in 2023, targeted a variety of businesses, including nine 7-Eleven convenience stores, a smoke shop, and two doughnut shops, across Southern California neighborhoods like North Hollywood and Pasadena. According to the indictment, Bland and Tucker would storm the businesses, wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts, brandishing firearms and demanding cash from the registers. They also stole wallets and cellphones from employees and customers, leaving a trail of fear and disruption in their wake. Meanwhile, Luckey acted as the getaway driver, waiting outside in her Chevrolet Cruze as her partners in crime carried out the heists.

The trio’s operation was not only brazen but also surprisingly organized. They seemed to have a clear division of labor, with Luckey’s role as the driver providing a level of mobility and escape that allowed them to evade capture for as long as they did. The fact that they managed to hit 12 locations without being caught for weeks speaks to a certain level of planning and coordination. However, their decision to take a break from the crime spree to get married in Las Vegas adds a peculiar and almost romantic twist to their story, one that has fascinated both the public and law enforcement.

Love in the Midst of Chaos: A Vegas Wedding

In an unusual detour from their crime spree, Bland and Luckey decided to tie the knot in Las Vegas on February 6, 2023. The ceremony took place just eight days into their string of robberies, and the couple apparently saw no reason to let their criminal activities interfere with their plans to marry. After exchanging vows, they returned to California, where they resumed their alleged robbery spree. This decision to pause their crimes for such a personal and intimate event adds a layer of complexity to their story, highlighting the deep emotional connection between the two and their apparent belief that their relationship could endure even in the face of such reckless behavior.

The End of the Road: A Valentine’s Day Arrest

The couple’s luck ran out on Valentine’s Day 2024, when Burbank police apprehended them following an attempted robbery of a doughnut shop in Downey. The incident took a dramatic turn when an employee at the shop fired shots at the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon their getaway car. Authorities had been closing in on the trio, having installed a GPS tracking device on Luckey’s Chevrolet Cruze just a day earlier. This careful police work, combined with a bit of luck, brought an end to their alleged crime spree and brought the trio to justice.

The Charges: Serious Consequences for the Alleged Crimes

Bland, Luckey, and Tucker now face a litany of serious charges, including three counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, and one count of conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by robbery. Bland and Tucker have also been charged with four counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, each carrying a maximum sentence of seven years. Additionally, Bland, who has a prior felony conviction, has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, offenses that could add 15 years to his potential prison sentence.

If convicted on all counts, the trio could face up to 20 years in federal prison. These charges underscore the gravity of their alleged crimes and the significant consequences they now face. While their story may have a certain charm when viewed through the lens of a romanticized outlaw narrative, the reality of their actions is stark and unforgiving. The alleged use of firearms, the targeting of innocent civilians, and the disruption of businesses all have real-world impacts that cannot be overlooked.

A Reflection on the Bonnie and Clyde Legend

The tale of Antonio Lamar Bland, Abigail Luckey, and Ronnie Tucker is a modern retelling of the classic outlaw story, one that has captivated the American imagination since the days of Bonnie and Clyde. While their story is certainly compelling, it also serves as a reminder of the dangers of romanticizing crime and the importance of upholding the rule of law. As the trio faces justice, their case becomes a cautionary tale about the consequences of pursuing a life of crime, no matter how alluring it may seem.