SALINE CO.—The suspect in the alleged armed robbery case at Casey’s convenience store in Carrier Mills has been identified, and charges are now pending against him.
Thomas E. (Tommy) Sanders, 40, of Carrier Mills, has been identified as the person being held in custody while authorities are trying to figure out what to do with him. Sanders has a lengthy history of violence in Saline County, as well as multiple petty offenses.
Here’s a press release from the Saline County Sheriff’s Public Information Office, which does not name Sanders; his information came to us through multiple sources instead, both official and unofficial:
On Sunday, August 4, 2013 at 5:56 AM, Saline County Central Dispatch received a 911 call from an employee of the Casey’s General Store (6644 US Highway 45 South) in Carrier Mills. The employee reported that he was just robbed at gun-point by a male.
The employee informed dispatch that the suspect had a shirt covering his face, displayed a handgun, took an undisclosed amount of money, then fled on foot. The employee provided a detailed description of the male and his clothing.
Carrier Mills and Harrisburg Police along with Saline County Sheriff’s Deputies saturated the area. One of the officers in the area spotted a male subject walking on East Walnut Street. When the male saw the officer, he ran up to a residence on East Walnut Street where he was apprehended. The Illinois State Police Crime Services section is assisting with the investigation.
As soon as officials charge Sanders—if indeed they do—we’ll let you know. Keep checking back.