Newsroom

Someone fired multiple gunshots from a vehicle early Saturday, killing two men and rattling the quiet neighborhood of Laketown.  Police are asking people with information to call crime stoppers to help apprehend the individual(s) who committed this act.

After tips recieved by Crime Stoppers, a Springfield man was arrested tuesday on alleged robbery of the Chase Bank at 210 North Grand Ave. W. last week. Randall A. Welch, 35, of Stone Valley Drive was located by police at his home, said Springfield Deputy Police Chief Cliff Buscher. Welch allegedly walked into the Chase Bank wearing a camouflage jacket and jeans Wednesday and handed a note to a teller that said he had a bomb strapped to his body. The teller gave him about $2,000 and the robber left the building. During the investigation, police released pictures from video surveillance cameras. “We got calls from people who recognized the suspect and recognized his clothes,” Buscher said. There is no evidence that Welch actually had a bomb, Buscher added.

Since the most-wanted list, which was compiled by the Springfield Police Department and state’s attorney’s task force, ran Monday, five of the 12 people profiled have been arrested.

Police arrested a man in connection with an armed robbery at Pease’s Candy store at 1701 S. State St. earlier this month.

Continued through Dec 31st... Crimestoppers of Sangamon and Menard Counties are launching a new campaign against copper theft, including an increase to $500 for the rewards paid for tips, and billboards reminding the public that police are cracking down on the thieves. ABC News Channel 20's Mike Brooks takes a closer look.