2 arrested, 1 sought in robberies

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Marcus R. Williams of Chicago

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Updated: February 28, 2012 8:17AM

JOLIET — Two men have been arrested and another is being sought for allegedly holding up four convenience stores two weekends ago.

Marcus R. Williams, 18, of 4246 S. Jefferson St. in Chicago, and Elijah Manuel, 26, of 1014 E. Clinton St. in Joliet, are being held in the county jail on $1 million bonds, while Maurice M. Watson, 18, of Chicago, remained at large Thursday.

Williams and Watson allegedly put on ski masks around 8:30 p.m. Jan. 13 and went into Family Dollar, 1224 S. Richards St.

“While one held a handgun, the other took money from the register and they attempted to take a customer’s purse,” Sgt. Scott Nicodemus said.

At 10 p.m., they reportedly robbed the register and three customers at Consumer Liquors, 1134 Plainfield Road.

“Video surveillance from (the stores) show what appear to be the same individuals and there was a similar (modus operandi),” Nicodemus said.

The next night, Watson and Williams allegedly robbed La Loma Supermercado, 410 Walnut St., and crossed into unincorporated Will County to hit Ingalls Park Food and Liquor, at 1822 E. Washington St.

“(Joliet) Detective Nicodemus was waiting at the liquor store when I arrived and it was soon clear we were both looking for the same guys,” said Detective Dan Procarione, of the Will County Sheriff’s Department.

Police said evidence left at one of the scenes led to witnesses who were able to identify Manuel, Watson and Williams.

Manuel reportedly acted as the getaway driver with his black 2008 Dodge Charger while the younger men switched off carrying the weapon.

Watson and Williams are friends, and Manuel is a former cellmate of one of young men’s father.

A Will County deputy spotted the Charger on Interstate 80 around 2 a.m. Sunday and stopped Manuel at Route 30 and Gougar Road.

Williams was arrested Monday by Chicago police and brought to Will County the following day. Police said he has admitted participating in the robberies.

Chicago police also believe the suspects may be responsible for “eight to 10” robberies in the city.

They were scheduled to question Manuel and Williams on Thursday night.

The recent holdup at La Loma also led to an arrest in a different case.

A crowd gathered to watch the activity as the police investigated the Jan. 14 robbery.

An employee in the crowd saw Zachary Pierce, 26, and reportedly recognized him as the man who had robbed the story on Jan. 8.

He was arrested on a charge of aggravated robbery, but Nicodemus said that incident was not related to the other crimes.