Cricket Wireless Store in Woodward Robbed; Suspect Apprehended

A robbery occurred at the Cricket Wireless store in Woodward on the morning of January 13, 2026. The incident took place around 10:30 a.m., prompting an immediate response from the Woodward Police Department.

 

Detective Navratil reported that the investigation was prolonged due to the need for store staff to coordinate with corporate headquarters to access surveillance footage, which is stored off-site. “We had him in custody by about 5 p.m. yesterday, but we had to wait awhile for staff to reach corporate management since the videos are uploaded off-site,” Navratil explained.

 

The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Andrew Wade Townsend, a local resident, was located at the Wayfair Inn. Charges are expected to be filed, with an affidavit being submitted to the district attorney’s office.

 

According to Detective Navratil, Townsend wore a mask during the robbery, demanded money from the register, and left with approximately $190. “He didn’t have a weapon, but he kept his hand in his pocket, and his actions and demeanor implied that he had a gun,” Navratil stated.

 

Police were able to identify Townsend by reviewing surveillance footage from surrounding businesses. The Woodward Police Department posted the image on their Facebook page, which aided in the suspect’s identification.

 

Officials also revealed that on January 9, 2026, Townsend had committed a “dine and dash” at a local restaurant while wearing the same jacket seen in the Cricket Wireless robbery. Surveillance footage from the restaurant allowed authorities to confirm his identity. “The restaurant’s cameras were good enough that he could be identified as Andrew Wade Townsend,” Navratil noted. “He was located, interviewed, and arrested.”

 

Townsend is being charged with first-degree robbery and unlawfully wearing a mask during the commission of a crime.

 

This incident is part of a concerning trend of robberies targeting Cricket Wireless stores nationwide. For instance, in December 2025, two men were arrested after allegedly robbing a Cricket Wireless store in Toledo, Ohio. The suspects reportedly struggled with an employee and stole the employee’s cellphone and two large speakers. Similarly, in January 2026, the Pantego Police Department in Texas sought public assistance in identifying an armed suspect who robbed a local Cricket Wireless store. The suspect brandished a silver handgun and stole multiple cell phones and cash.

 

These incidents highlight the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting by both employees and customers to ensure community safety.