Police seek third suspect in armed robbery at O'Fallon McDonald's

Two charged in Friday incident

BY BETH HUNDSDORFER - News-Democrat

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O'FALLON -- Two robbery suspects who ordered McDonald's restaurant employees into a cooler after showing them a gun, then grabbed the cash and fled Friday night are in custody, O'Fallon police said.

The search continued Monday for the third suspect.

Jacquoin L. Martin, 21, of 1418 Lawrence Ave. in East St. Louis, and Donny Donaby, 18, of 1817 Cleveland Ave. in East St. Louis, were arrested Friday night.

The robbery occurred at 11:30 p.m. Friday when two men walked into the McDonald's at 109 East Highway 50, displayed a gun, then escorted the employees to the cooler, O'Fallon Detective Dan Wunder said.

The suspects gathered the cash, then fled the store, police said.

"A witness saw it happen and called police," Wunder said. "The O'Fallon police are very grateful for this witness who came forward and called police that put us on the case that much faster and allowed us to make these arrests quickly."

Patrol officer Brian Gimpel spotted the suspects' car and followed it until it crashed into some bushes and a privacy fence in the 100 block of Springfield Avenue in O'Fallon.

A gun was recovered, Wunder said.

None of the restaurant employees was injured.

Donaby was charged late Sunday with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. He remains in the St. Clair County Jail on $50,000 bail. Martin was charged with aggravated robbery. His bail was set at $100,000.

Police continue to search for Armand M. Bennett, 19, of 2344 N. 50th St. in Washington Park. Bennett faces charges of resisting a police officer.

His bail was set at $10,000. Bennett is described as a black male, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds.

"Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Bennett is asked to call the O'Fallon Police Department and speak to the on-duty shift commander," Wunder said.

The number for the police department is 624-4545. The investigation continues, and additional charges are possible, Wunder said.

Contact reporter Beth Hundsdorfer at bhundsdorfer@bnd.com or 239-2570.

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