Two more suspects in east Belleville, Swansea armed-robbery spree are arrested
Belleville detectives Thursday arrested two juveniles suspected in a string of armed robberies on the east end of town and in Swansea.
The suspects, who won’t be identified because of their age, were arrested in specific connection to the Nov. 30 robbery of Casey’s at 1706 Mascoutah Ave. and the ZX gas station at 420 Carlyle Ave. on Dec. 2, but they may also be tied to two similar crimes in Swansea on Monday night.
According to a release issued by the Belleville Police Department, the investigation into the armed robberies at a different ZX at 2400 N. Illinois St., and the Huck’s in 4590 N. Illinois St. is continuing. Police say they have evidence to suggest the two juveniles are responsible for those crimes as well.
In each case, employees described the robber as a “short” black male, about 5-feet, 5-inches tall and of medium to heavy build. Witnesses described subtle differences in what the suspects were wearing.
Belleville and Swansea police, as well as Missouri law enforcement agencies, are cooperating on the investigation.
The suspects were discovered in Missouri committing “additional felony offenses” and currently are now in custody of Belleville police. Evidence will be turned over to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office for possible charges.
News of the arrests comes just hours after Belleville police arrested a 29-year-old white male suspected of five separate robberies they say are not likely related to the juveniles.
Police were sent to the Subway at 605 Carlyle Ave. at 8:12 p.m. Wednesday on the report that a white male of average build displayed a gun to employees and demanded money from the cash register. Shortly after, officers who “flooded the area” located the man as he was getting into a vehicle with evidence both in his possession and in “plain view” inside the car.
Police believe he may also be connected to armed robberies at the Dollar General, 1207 Centreville Ave., on Nov. 17; Farm Fresh, 1805 North Belt West, on Nov. 24; ZX gas station, 7406 West Main Street, on Thanksgiving, Nov. 28; and Family Dollar, 6401 West Main St., on Nov. 30.
In each case, employees said a man displayed a gun before demanding cash from the register and fleeing on foot. Charges are pending with the state’s attorney.
There were no injuries in any of the 10 robberies, police said.
This story was originally published December 5, 2019 at 12:42 PM.
