South Beloit Police make arrests for armed robberies

SOUTH BELOIT – On May 30, at approximately 3:44 a.m., South Beloit Police were dispatched to the FasMart – 15766 Manchester Road for a robbery.

The suspect left the store with an undisclosed amount of property. Assistance from the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit (K-9 Deputy Metzler and Cliff) aided in tracking the suspects last known location. Evidence was also located near the scene.

During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the suspect was 19-year-old Riley Graber of Belvidere. Riley was located near Belvidere,  later that evening. Winnebago County Detectives also assisted in the investigation.

Riley was subsequently charged with Aggravated Robbery (Class 1 felony) with a bond of $200,000 – 10%. Riley is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

SBPD 16-2423:

On June 4, at approximately 5:30 a.m., South Beloit Police were dispatched to the FasMart – 518 Shirland Ave., for an armed robbery. The suspect was armed and forced the store employee behind the counter where the cash register is located.

The suspect removed an undisclosed amount of property from the store. The suspect left the scene in a red pickup truck with a white topper. The information was relayed, and the vehicle was located shortly after the initial incident in the City of Beloit. Beloit P.D. stopped the vehicle and detained the suspect without incident.

The suspect was identified as 42-year-old Lettice Murphy of Beloit, WI. Lettice was interviewed by South Beloit Police. Subsequently, a warrant was issued for Armed Robbery (Class X Felony) with a bond amount of $500,000 – 10%. Lettice was lodged in the Rock County Jail pending extradition to Winnebago County. Lettice is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

We received great information from a citizen in the second robbery that ultimately led to the stop and arrest of Lettice. If you witness suspicious activity, please be vigilant and report it to the police department at (815) 389-3491. If you witness in-progress incidents or any type of emergency, please call 911.