ALTON – The Alton Police Department has filed charges against a St. Louis man after investigators say he robbed a convenience store at gunpoint and was arrested minutes later while trying to break into another business.
Alton Police said the investigation began about 8:56 a.m. April 26, 2026, when officers were dispatched to a report of an armed robbery at the Phillips 66 convenience store at 1660 E. Broadway in Alton, Illinois. A male suspect, later identified as Jesse J. Williams, 35, of St. Louis, “knowingly took possession of U.S. currency and items for retail sale, from the person/presence of the store clerk while Williams was armed with a firearm,” Alton Police said.
Minutes after the robbery, police said they received information that the vehicle used by the suspect had been used to force entry onto a business property in the 2900 block of E. Broadway. Officers arrived and found the suspect attempting to force entry into the business property, police said. Officers took the suspect into custody, and “physical evidence from the armed robbery was recovered,” police said.
Alton Police said the suspect vehicle was determined to be stolen from Hazelwood, Mo.
On Monday, April 27, 2026, police said the case was presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, led by State’s Attorney Tom Haine, who approved the following charges against Williams: armed robbery, unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, attempted burglary, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and criminal damage to property.
“I often feel like a broken record, but it never gets old to me when it comes to recognizing the amazing work done by the men and women of the Alton Police Department. This is another strong example of how teamwork, communication, and great restraint can quickly lead to those responsible for dangerous behavior,” Chief Jarrett Ford said. “As I said last week, gun violence of any kind is not tolerated in our community, and we will continue to aggressively pursue those who put others at risk.”
Williams was ordered held pending a detention hearing, Alton Police said.
