ILLINOIS — Five people have been arrested following a burglary investigation at a sporting goods store in Springfield that led to the recovery of stolen firearms, drugs and cash, according to police.
The Springfield Police Department said officers responded around 10:21 p.m. Sunday to Scheels Sporting Goods on South MacArthur Boulevard after an alarm was activated. Upon arrival, officers found damage to the store and several stolen items, including firearms.
Authorities said officers developed suspect descriptions and located 20-year-old Romero Allen near Ninth and Spruce streets. Police said Allen fled but was apprehended, and items taken during the burglary — including two firearms — were recovered.
Court records show Allen was already facing a misdemeanor weapons charge and was on pretrial release at the time of the incident. Prosecutors have since filed to revoke that release while charging him with felony burglary, possession of a stolen firearm and theft.
During the ongoing investigation, detectives arrested three male juveniles connected to the burglary. Police said two were charged with burglary, theft, possession of a stolen firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm. The third juvenile faces weapons-related charges.
A fifth suspect, identified as 35-year-old Avery Sanders, was arrested during the execution of a search warrant. He faces charges including being an armed habitual criminal, possession of a stolen firearm, delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and methamphetamine delivery.
Officials said all firearms stolen from the store were recovered. Investigators also seized approximately 151 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 91 grams of suspected crack cocaine, stolen merchandise and $12,760 in cash.
The investigation remains ongoing, with assistance from federal agents and local prosecutors.
