Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009

Thieves beware! Construction workers, passerby nab Collinsville jewelry robber

Alleged watch thief nabbed by passerby, construction workers

Thursday was proof that they have zero tolerance for monkey business -- or robbery -- around Home Furniture in Collinsville.

A man who ran from nearby Butterfield Jewelry, 123 E. Main St., with an expensive watch was captured and corralled by construction workers from Throm Construction Co. who were working at Home Furniture along with a driver who stopped to help.

The Collinsville Police Department has charged Michael Stanford Shaver, 54, of St. Louis, with felony theft over $300 and aggravated battery after he allegedly attempted to steal a watch from the jewelry store and pushed one of the owners on his way out the front door.

Owner Jack Butterfield said that about 11 a.m., a man who his wife thought appeared suspicious asked to look at a gold and diamond watch valued at $3,600. After giving back the watch and inquiring about layaway terms, the man asked to see it again.

The man then ran out the door, pushing aside Butterfield's wife, Jean Butterfield. The man fled east on East Main Street and was chased by the construction workers. He was tackled by a man who had been driving by and stopped to help.

Collinsville Police Department Maj. Tom Coppotelli said the suspect was held by three people near Shorty's Pub on East Main Street until police arrived. The men did not wish to be identified, he said.

Shaver was being held Friday afternoon with bail set at $40,000.

Butterfield said he offered to give each of the men a watch for helping with the capture, but all declined. He said their actions are typical of smaller towns where everyone cares.

"I think these guys don't realize when they get into a little town like Collinsville, people are willing to help," he said.