The Collinsville Police Department arrested three suspects Monday in a recent string of armed robberies linked to advertisements placed on craigslists.

Photo by Roger Starkey

The arrests come after a third armed robbery Sunday in the 200 block of Sandridge Dr., about 1/2 mile from the other two robberies at 50 Brookhill Court. The suspect in the robbery Sunday is alleged to have used a gun. A baseball bat was used in the first two crimes.

The victim in the most recent robbery responded to an advertisement on craiglist about a person claiming to have a television for sale, the same type of advertisement used to lure victims in the first two robberies. The victim recognized the suspect based on a description given when the two were communicating, police said.

The suspect allegedly pulled a gun on the suspect and demanded money. After the victim complied, the suspect fled the scene. There is no known connection between the suspect in the cases and the apartment buildings.

Collinsville Police, who had been following leads since the first armed robbery, were granted three search warrants, which led to the arrest of the three suspects. At least one of the suspects was involved in all three robberies, police said. The other two suspects played a role in at least one robbery. A fourth suspect is under investigation.

At least one of the suspects is from Collinsville, Lt. Richard Wittenauer, of the Collinsville Police Department said. The suspects names should be released when formal charges are file. Charges are expected later in the week.

Anyone with information about these crimes are asked to contact the Collinsville Police Department Detective Division at (618) 344-2131 ext. 5275