Belleville man still at large after kidnapping, motorcycle theft in Waterloo, cops say
Police say a Belleville man and an accomplice held another man against his will and beat him for several hours after stealing his motorcycle.
Madeline Smith-Snodgrass, 48, of Waterloo and Montrell M. Brownlee, 28, of Belleville were charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping, vehicle theft conspiracy on Thursday, Oct. 7.
Brownlee, who is a felon, was additionally charged for being in possession and using a firearm. He remains at large.
According to police, on Friday, Oct. 1, Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies received a call from a man who identified himself as the victim of the crimes. A joint investigation was launched by investigators from the sheriff’s department and the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force.
Police said the 60-year-old victim was held at gunpoint at 896 Country Club Lane in Waterloo for two days prior. During that time, Smith-Snodgrass and Brownlee punched, kicked and struck the victim with a firearm, police say.
At one point, a gun was fired according to a release from the sheriff’s department.
The victim, who police have not identified, was forced into a vehicle by the pair and taken to several different locations before eventually taking him back to Country Club Lane, where the pair stole his 2015 Honda Goldwing Motorcycle and let him go.
On Tuesday, Oct. 15 at around 1:45 p.m., deputies took Smith-Snodgrass into custody during a traffic stop on Illinois 3 near J Road. The firearm believed to have been used in the crime was found inside the vehicle.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Justin Biggs said the crime was not random and that the suspects and victims knew each other prior to the crime.
The victim’s motorcycle has not been recovered.
Anyone with information regarding Brownlee or the motorcycle’s whereabouts are asked to call 618-402-6447. If callers wish to remain anonymous, they may call 618-939-8477.