Local boy arrested for armed robberies

By Angelina Cole

Sometime after 11:15 p.m. Friday night, a 17-year-old Urbana boy was arrested for two incidents of armed robbery which occurred earlier that night.

At 10:55 p.m. an individual was robbed on the Engineering Quad near Boneyard Creek by three men, according to a press release from the University’s Division of Public Safety. The victim was pushed to the ground, a knife was displayed and his wallet was taken.

The second armed robbery occurred at 11:15 p.m. Four individuals were robbed at gunpoint by three males near the Aerodynamics Research Lab, 1021 W. Western Ave. in Urbana, the press release said. The four victims had their wallets and cell phones taken.

Immediately after the four victims had their possessions taken, they contacted the University Police Department and described the occurrence, Sgt. Tom Geis said.

The police department then located one of the males walking in the 100 block of West Clark St. The suspect fled on foot and was arrested in the 1100 block of West University Ave., the press release said. The subject arrested had in his possession two wallets and three cell phones belonging to the victims, as well as a black pellet handgun.

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As police pursued him, the suspect dropped two other wallets and the fourth cell phone taken from the victims.

“(The incidents) are still under investigation,” Geis said. University police have positively tied the arrested boy to the two incidents Friday night.

Although the subjects involved in these incidents of armed robbery are similar to those of the past few weeks, it has not been confirmed that they are connected. Two of the three aggressors are still at large.

University police said students should remain cautious.

“Walk in groups in well-lit areas, and use U of I transportation,” Geis said. “Don’t walk in dimly lit areas while intoxicated by yourself. Give up what they ask for and immediately contact the police.”

Sunday, Geis said the department is continuing to investigate the robberies.