Carbondale police investigating multiple business burglaries, property damage

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KFVS) - The City of Carbondale responded on Monday to peaceful protests and burglaries the night before.

City leaders thanked those who gathered on Sunday for a candlelight vigil at Turley Park honoring the life of George Floyd. They also expressed appreciation to the protesters who peacefully marched downtown following the vigil.

“You know our protesters. by being peaceful and organized. they got their point across and you know we get it and I think the community gets it," said Mayor Mike Henry.

They said they understand their frustrations and feel them too. “The City of Carbondale stands with you in sadness and solidarity,” they said.

City leaders said they understand citizens’ need to demonstrate, but encourage everyone to do so responsibly and peacefully.

With looting and rioting happening in other cities, Mayor Henry doesn’t believe Carbondale will take place.

“This event will never happen in Carbondale primarily due to our training and also were a close knit community," he said.

The Carbondale Police Department is investigating damage to property at nine businesses, including several in the University Mall.

According to a public safety officer at the mall, looters broke into the south main entrance on Sunday, May 31, and at the J.C. Penney entrance.

Some windows were damaged during the break-ins, and officers said at least one store was damaged.

“Store owners obviously need to take extra precautions wherever they can," the mayor said. "Again, we have some folks out there that decided this is okay to do.”

Carbondale police say they responded to alarms from businesses inside the mall around 10:52 p.m. on Sunday. As officers were arriving, they said several vehicles were seen leaving from the south side of the parking lot near J.C. Penney.

Officers said suspects broke into and stole property from J.C. Penney, GameStop, Old Navy and Finish Line.

At around 11:38 p.m., officers responded to Main Street Liquors and Tobacco on East Main Street after an alarm sounded. When they arrived, they said they found the business broken into and property stolen.

According to police, there had been five to six suspects who were described as wearing hooded sweatshirts, masks and gloves.

At around 12:34 a.m. on Monday, officers responded to an alarm at Blue Fish Liquors on Sweets Drive for a report of seven suspects inside the store stealing property. Officers arrived and found the business had been broken into and property stolen. The suspects were described as being both males and females.

Lastly, at around 3:28 a.m. on Monday, police responded to Sally’s Beauty Supply on East Main Street after an alarm sounded. Officers found the business had been broken into and property stolen.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at 618-457-3200.

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