Charges filed in Collinsville Waffle House shootout

The Madison County State’s Attorney Friday brought charges against a pair of Springfield men they believe to be responsible for an August 29 shooting at a metro-east Waffle House.

Jessie R. Bates Jr., 33, and Marline R. Thompson Jr., 27, each were charged with one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm. Bates faces an additional charge of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and is being held in a Springfield jail on $250,000 bond.

As of Friday afternoon, Thompson remained at large. His bond has been set at $200,000.

Collinsville police responded to the restaurant, located 505 N. Bluff Road, after receiving reports of gunfire. Police said at the time that several individuals who were riding in separate cars started shooting at one another in the parking lot shared by the Waffle House and Saint Louis Bread Company.

Several vehicles were struck, and police said at least one person was injured in the exchange, but that no one has come forward to identify themselves as a victim.

Collinsville Police later released surveillance photos of one of the suspects, along with a physical description and asked that people keep an eye out for a white 2018 Toyota Sequoia. The State’s Attorney’s office did not say if those descriptions contributed to identifying Bates and Thompson and charges being filed.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jose Cerna at 618-344-2131Ext. 5268 or call Crimestoppers at 866-371-8477