Armed Robbery, Arrests in Mattoon, Search Still On For One Suspect

On Thursday May 31 at approximately 2:20 a.m. Mattoon police responded to a report of a Home Invasion and Armed Robbery with shots fired in the 400 block of N. 21st Street.

Upon arrival, officers spoke to a victim who reported that three unknown black male suspects had burst into his apartment demanding cash and drugs. The suspects were reportedly armed with at least two rifles. The resident was assaulted, beaten, and had a gun placed to his head. Two gunshots were fired at a female victim during the incident. She was not hit by the gunfire. The male resident suffered bruising and abrasions during the assault. No other injuries were reported.

An investigation was conducted that led to the interviews of numerous persons and the service of three search warrants at residences in Mattoon and Charleston. Two rifles were seized during the execution of the warrants, a .22 caliber and a .223 caliber.

The following suspects were arrested on May 31:

Chelsea J. Langenhorst, age 21 of Mattoon, was charged with Armed Robbery and Possession of Methamphetamine. The charges allege that she helped plan the robbery, and that she ensured that the victim was home at the time. She was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine. She was taken to the jail.

Deonte T. Moore, age 19 of Charleston, was charged with Home Invasion and Armed Robbery. Those charges allege that he was present and participated in the home invasion and robbery of the victim. He was taken to the jail.

A 16 year old juvenile was also taken into custody in Charleston. The juvenile has been charged with Home Invasion, Armed Robbery, and Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm. Those charges allege that he was armed, participated in the home invasion and robbery, and that he was the suspect who fired two gunshots at the female victim. The suspect  was detained in a juvenile detention facility in Vermillion County.

Mattoon police are seeking Jaison C. Peoples, age 39 of Mattoon, for questioning in regards to this incident. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is asked to contact Mattoon police at 235-5451, via Facebook, or by calling Coles County Crimestoppers at 866-345-8488. Persons may remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward for information that leads to his location.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing and further arrests will be forthcoming. Mattoon police were assisted by Charleston P.D., E.I.U. police, Lakeland police, and the East Central Illinois Drug Task Force during this investigation.

(PHOTO OF JAISON C. PEOPLES, STILL AT LARGE)