(COLUMBIA, MO) -
UPDATE on Dec. 21 - Columbia Police announce Steak ‘n Shake robbery suspects in custody
Update - The suspects in the armed robbery of Steak ‘n Shake, 1912 W. Worley Street, on Dec. 15 have been identified as Timothy Smith and Brittni Smith, both of Indiana.
The couple was apprehended in White County, Illinois by the White County Sheriff’s Department for a similar offense. The suspects were committing similar robberies and theft in several states including Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri and possibly others.
The vehicle used in the Columbia robbery and several others was stolen and spray painted black by the Smiths to elude officers.
Columbia Police detectives obtained a warrant for the Smith's arrest on charges of Robbery in the First Degree. The White County Sheriff’s Department has booked the Smiths on those warrants and other charges from their case.
The identification and capture of the suspects is a testament to good police work by CPD and other law enforcement agencies. CPD quickly processed and disseminated the video from the Steak ‘n Shake robbery to other law enforcement agencies. Excellent information sharing by many law enforcement agencies led to their capture and arrest.
Original release:
Columbia Police were dispatched to a report of an armed robbery at Steak ‘n Shake, 1912 W. Worley Street, on Dec. 15, at approximately 5:50 p.m. Two suspects entered the store, sat down and ate a meal. After finishing their meal, the male suspect displayed a handgun at the register while demanding money. The suspects left with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The two suspects left the store in a vehicle, heading westbound from the store, towards N. Stadium Blvd., in what was described as a dark Jeep SUV. One suspect is described as a white male, in his 30’s, approximately 300 pounds, approximately 5’6" with black hair and a goatee. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black jacket and a grey shirt. The other suspect is described as a white female, in her 30’s, approximately 5’8", with dark red hair and black eyeglasses. At the time of the incident, she was described as wearing red leggings, black boots and a dark brown jacket.
There is no further information to provide at this time, as this is an active investigation.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
Case number 2019-013222
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