Four Arrests in Armed Robberies in Mattoon

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Published on March 2 2017 9:16 am
Last Updated on March 2 2017 3:09 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Mattoon police made further arrests in regards to a Feb. 19th Home Invasion and Armed Robbery that occurred at Lakeland Apartments, 4213 Lakeland Blvd., Mattoon. During that incident, 3 men brandishing firearms entered an apartment to rob and assault several victims inside the residence.

On Monday, police arrested Edward D. Allen, age 24 of Charleston, Jack M. Nixon, age 18 of Charleston, Brianna N. Harshbarger, age 22 of Charleston, and Danny Tejada, age 20 of Charleston.

Edward Allen was charged with Home Invasion, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. The charges against Allen allege that he unlawfully entered the victims apartment and robbed at least two people at gunpoint, that he struck a man in the head with a pistol, and that he is a convicted felon who was found to have a loaded pistol within his residence.

Jack Nixon was charged with Home Invasion and Armed Robbery. Those charges allege that Nixon was one of three suspects who unlawfully entered the victims apartment and robbed them at gunpoint.

Brianna N. Harshbarger was charged with Armed Robbery. The charge against Harshbarger alleges that she colluded with other suspects by luring some male residents out of the apartment just prior to the robbery taking place, and by visually inspecting the interior of the victims apartment for the presence of firearms, as well as the number of persons present therein minutes before the armed robbery was to occur.

Danny Tejada was charged with Armed Robbery. The charge against him alleges that he participated in the crime by providing a vehicle, and by driving a group of suspects to the victims apartment in order that an armed robbery be committed, and then assisting the suspects in fleeing the scene.

Mattoon and Charleston police served search warrants at two residences on West Polk Avenue, and one residence on Edgar Drive in Charleston on Monday. Money, guns, and drugs were seized, along with two automobiles.

All suspects were taken to the Coles County Jail.

Police are seeking the whereabouts of an additional suspect, Andrew Tristian Allen, age 20 of Charleston. Anyone with information as to his location is requested to contact Coles County Crimestoppers at colescountycrimestoppers.org, text leads to 274637, or by calling 866-345-8488. Tipsters never have to provide their name, and can qualify for cash rewards of up to $1,000.00.

The investigation into the incident continues and further arrests in connection with this case are expected.