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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Monday, January 12, 2009 8:49 PM CST
Weekend brings more crime in Mattoon

By HERB MEEKER, Staff Writer
hmeeker@jg-tc.com

MATTOON — Police are working on leads in two armed robberies last week.

But officers’ workload now includes several vehicle burglaries during the weekend, police Chief Dave Griffith said.

Suspects from the Jan. 5 robbery at Laker Avenue Apartments by Lake Land College and a separate robbery at Pharmax Pharmacy, 1221 Charleston Ave., were still at large Monday with investigators working on several leads, Griffith said.

An arrest warrant was issued for Devan “Killer” Gibbs, 19, of Chicago on Friday. No name is yet available on the pharmacy suspect, described as an unshaven white male in his 40s, dressed in jeans and a denim jacket plus a black ball cap, who fled on foot from the scene after grabbing bottles of pills from behind the service counter.

On Monday, police reported three vehicle break-ins occurred Saturday and Sunday to add to the investigations list.

“When you have several in that short a time it’s more than random,” said Griffith.

One break-in was reported on a 2007 Dodge Caliber at 9:52 p.m. Saturday at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant, 1101 Charleston Ave. East. Another break-in was reported Sunday afternoon at 22nd Street and Shelby Avenue. The vehicle owner said the incident might have occurred between 3 and 4 a.m. Sunday.

Then, at 7:40 p.m. Sunday, a forced entry was reported to a van while the vehicle was parked near the Mattoon Area Family YMCA.

Items were taken from all three vehicles, police said.

Charleston police reported two break-ins at businesses on Sunday and two attempted crimes. Though there is no evidence the incidents are connected at this point, Griffith said officers in both departments are sharing information.

Similar cooperation led to the arrest of an alleged accomplice, Amanda K. McGowan, 19, of Charleston, in the Laker Avenue robbery last week.

“We’ve been fortunate to have a good working relationship with Charleston police and the sheriff’s department. We deal with the same people many times so it is good to share information,” Griffith said.

Anyone with information on the incidents in Mattoon is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-345-8488 or Mattoon police at 235-5451.

Contact Herb Meeker at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.

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STINKY wrote on Jan 12, 2009 9:17 PM:

" Don't be fooled by Killer's nickname. He is as sweet as pie. "

61938 wrote on Jan 13, 2009 7:24 AM:

" Now this is just an idea but, why doesn't the police dept start "patroling"? Maybe it's time to stop loafing so much behind the mall, and the closed gas station on Dewitt, and every other hiding place in this town. Just what is our police doing? "

sick wrote on Jan 13, 2009 3:30 PM:

" 61938, why dont you call the chief of police and request a ride along. Then every time you see a officer sitting, wherever, you will know what he is doing and you won't have to make uneducated assumption. With all the crime and radio calls I hear on my scanner, maybe they are completing paperwork? Mattoon officers work a twelve hour shift so maybe its there break, or lunch time. Just don't ASSume there "loafing". "

Dally wrote on Jan 13, 2009 5:38 PM:

" yep, probably eating...lol "

jrhendren wrote on Jan 13, 2009 11:22 PM:

" Some more of the good old, "public service personnel are lazy. What? Go and help out, I can't I would have to leave my computer for a time and not complain about everything." Get real, help out or shut up! "

85CHSGrad wrote on Jan 14, 2009 6:39 AM:

" Crime up? Just hire more violators and non-believers of the US Constitution!
I'll be out at Subway...
I'll be out at Hucks...
I'll be out at my residence....
Is that why they call 'em PIGS??? "

61938 wrote on Jan 14, 2009 7:28 AM:

" if i ride along can i get free drinks at all the convience stores? half price meals at most resturants? take a nap in the park, or take the car home and fall asleep? probably not because these cops don't want everybody to know what little they do. i know what goes on here sicko, and by the way that name fits you rather well. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jan 14, 2009 7:49 AM:

" Judging by the attitude of some of the "adults" posting here, I have no doubt as to why so many of the younger generation lack any respect for our police officers.

Good observation, jrhendren.

I'll bet some of these folks have absolutely no idea of what goes on during those 12 hour shifts. As was said by our friend sick, too much ASSuming going on here. "

Becky wrote on Jan 14, 2009 8:46 AM:

" There was a full moon on the 11th. It does seem that crime rises during a full moon. Can't say why, it just seems to be so. "

father bob wrote on Jan 14, 2009 11:43 AM:

" people clinging to their guns and religion.....that'll make anyone go off! "

Chad(USAF) wrote on Jan 14, 2009 11:58 AM:

" That's the spirit. Let's blame the (mostly) hard-working law enforcement officials instead of putting the blame on the criminals. Do you think it a coincidence that the warrant issued is for a guy from Chicago?

Garbage in... garbage out. "

Becky wrote on Jan 14, 2009 12:55 PM:

" Chad, I totally agree with you on this one. Why are people complaining about the police on this blog? Isn't the article stating that they are working the cases? It's not a TV show that gets solved in an hour you know. "

gringa wrote on Jan 14, 2009 5:17 PM:

" I got a kick out of Herb's headline for this story: Weekend brings more crime in Mattoon.

Actually, Herb, we all know that the highest crime day in these parts usually falls on a Tuesday night - when the Mattoon and Charleston City Councils meet as well as the County Board, etc. LOL. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jan 14, 2009 5:51 PM:

" gringa wrote on Jan 14, 2009 5:17

..............................Actually, Herb, we all know that the highest crime day in these parts usually falls on a Tuesday night - when the Mattoon and Charleston City Councils meet as well as the County Board, etc. LOL. "

Not bad, gringa. This one should be the post of the day. lol! "

jrhendren wrote on Jan 14, 2009 11:27 PM:

" gringa wrote on Jan 14, 2009 5:17 PM:

Actually, Herb, we all know that the highest crime day in these parts usually falls on a Tuesday night - when the Mattoon and Charleston City Councils meet as well as the County Board, etc. LOL. "

Excellent observation! LOL!!! "

yeah right wrote on Jan 15, 2009 7:36 AM:

" It is true some of our officers are fat and lazy, but 95% of them work hard and care about doing the best for the city.

It is a shame that the city and its citizens do not have their backs, but will call upon them when they are in trouble.

People get made at them when they or their family get in trouble and have to pay the piper, or don't like the way a call was handled, when the situation was probably their fault to begin with.

These people are not wizards, but humans like you trolls doing their best.

Yes, I know some of them. So I feel like voicing my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I don't like getting speeding tickets, but I had them coming at the time.

And yes, I like to take breaks to on the job, and I do not care if an officer needs a minute to chill. "

sapient wrote on Jan 15, 2009 9:52 AM:

" Becky, You must have changed into a Republican. Bless your heart. "

whatswrong wrote on Jan 15, 2009 10:19 AM:

" I am amazed at the comments posted on here! Do some of you not have anything better to do than to disrespect the police department? Do some of you that post on EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE have a real job? Our police department does a very good job! I recently had a not so good incounter in Mattoon and I had such a wonderful experience with the MPD that I can not even put into words! What about all the times that they do not get to spend the holidays with their families because they are protecting us, or people like you disrespecting them? Or the 12 hour shifts they put in, so what if they are parked somewhere, do they need to start their own blog to keep you all posted on what it is they are doing, does it really matter that as a courtsey they get drinks for free or discounted food or are you just jealous? Last time I checked they have a chief to answer to, yes we may pay their salary however Mattoon has changed and it has gotten worse in the last 10, even 20 years but they are doing their very best! I sure hope some of you rude ones on here do not have children that you are teaching these rude comments to!!!! No wonder why we have crime in Mattoon! Maybe you need to spend more time worrying about getting a real job instead of being stupid on here! Unlike you, I work so much that I have to read the news when I get a chance, and this one just really made me angry! Next thing you know, you are going to want to know when it is they need to go to the bathroom! Grow up! Get a job! Use your time for something worthwhile! Not something petty! "

Becky wrote on Jan 15, 2009 10:42 AM:

" Sapient: Actually I'm neither Republican or Democrat. I'm a full fledged American who pretty much runs in the center. I believe in the 2nd Amendment, but with some regulation. I believe in some welfare for those who are having a hard time and need a little help (short term only). I believe in a MUCH, MUCH smaller government. I believe in our Constitution and what it stands for. I believe that the Dems and Repubs are the same but they only fein differences to keep us fighting amongst ourselves and diverting our attention to what they are realy doing. I think that this divide of Dem and Repub is destroying the fabric of our country and finally, I believe that 3rd and 4th parties is what's needed in our governments to remove the power hold that both parties now over every facet of our lives. "

julio wrote on Jan 15, 2009 4:15 PM:

" A police office is a great thing to see if you need help. The certainly deserve our respect!
However, I do wish some of their policys were more lienient. The "zero tollarance" saftey checks where you get a $75 ticket for a broken tail light? "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Jan 15, 2009 5:20 PM:

" Hey BDD...

Ya gotta say one good thing for the Obama inauguration...

It gives every democrat something to do....

While one contingent of the moron democrat party is busy traveling to watch their "messiah" being sworn in, another democrat contingent will be busy breaking into their homes!!!! "

citizenofmattoon wrote on Jan 15, 2009 9:31 PM:

" 85CHSGrad wrote on Jan 14, 2009 6:39 AM:

" Crime up? Just hire more violators and non-believers of the US Constitution!
I'll be out at Subway...
I'll be out at Hucks...
I'll be out at my residence....
Is that why they call 'em PIGS??? "

To: 85CHSGrad
Thought I would tell you, that, the RESPECTABLE people that I know; don't call them "pigs". When I do hear someone call them "pigs" I try and correct them.....HOW ABOUT YOU??? "

62463 wrote on Jan 15, 2009 10:29 PM:

" if any of you bloggers who complain so loudly about your law enforcement were having your home broken into would you call another blogge? i think not, whether you admit it or not you would be calling the mattoon police department "

medic57 wrote on Jan 16, 2009 9:00 PM:

" 61938

Those perks are not required, they are offered. I have yet to see a cop taking a nap. "