On Wednesday at approximately 2:45 a.m., officers were called to go to 1309 Jefferson Street, Budget Inn, after woman reported she had been robbed.
The victim stated she was awakened by a knock on her door, expecting her boyfriend she answered the door and the subject produced a handgun forcing her back into her room. The suspect then struck the victim in the face before taking an undetermined amount of cash and her cell phone. The victim refused medical treatment at the scene.
Based on the information provided, a possible suspect was identified through previous contacts with authorities.
That subject was located at 2:40 p.m. in the 1500 Block of Jefferson Street and taken to the police department for further questioning. During the interview, the suspect implicated himself in the crime adding that he originally met the victim to sell narcotics.
The 23 year old suspect was taken to the Cole County Jail pending charges for 1st degree robbery, 1st degree assault and possession of marijuana.
The name of the suspect was not released pending the filing of formal charges.