Racine County organizations and business owners have pulled together to try and help area police solve a series of armed and attempted armed robberies that have occurred over the last several weeks in the City of Racine and the Village of Mount Pleasant.
Law enforcement has recorded a total of 21 incidents combined between the two communities, but so far, tips from citizens who might have information have been slow to come in to help police apprehend the suspects.
A total of up to $6,500 in reward money is being offered to the individual(s) who provide the tip(s) that lead to the arrest of the suspects responsible for these crimes.
Board members of Crime Stoppers of Racine County recently approved a maximum reward of up to $1,500.
Two local business owners, who wish to remain anonymous, for now are each putting up $500 of their own money, and members of the Racine Tavern League have committed to a $4,000 contribution.
“We believe strongly in helping law enforcement apprehend these people,” one of the business owners said. “Business owners and customers are worried, and that’s not good for business or our community.”
Police urge residents to not try and apprehend these individuals on their own. Instead law enforcement encourages citizens to contact Crime Stoppers at (262) 636-9330; by email at www.racine.crimestoppers.web or by texting TIP417 to CRIMES (274637).
Since the beginning of March, Racine and Mount Pleasant police have recorded the following armed and attempted armed robberies:
Bars/Taverns:
3/11 – Rogers Place – 2 male suspects both armed with handguns
4/8 – Rogers Place – 1 male suspect armed with a handgun fired a round off into the ceiling upon entry
4/10 – Rogers Place – 1 male suspect armed with a handgun
4/15 – Rhino Bar – 2 male suspects armed with handguns
4/18 – Brass Monkey – 1 male suspect armed with a handgun
4/20 – Rojos – 1 male suspect armed with a handgun fired a round off into the ceiling upon entry
05/05- Winner’s Circle – 2 male suspects armed with handguns
05/13 – Brass Monkey – 2 male suspects armed with a handgun
05/15 Cham Tap – Mt. Pleasant – 2 male suspects, each armed with a handgun
Convenience Stores:
3/07 – Family Dollar – 1 male suspect armed with handgun
3/19 Your Store – 1 male suspect armed with handgun
3/22 High Street Foods- 1 male suspect armed with handgun
3/37 Colonial Liquor – 2 male suspects one armed with a handgun
4/29 Speedway – 2 male suspects, one armed with a handgun
05/6 O’ Riley Auto Parts – 2 male suspects armed with handguns
05/8 Georgetown Market – 2 male suspects 1 armed with a handgun
Small Businesses:
03/28 Nelson’s Variety Store West Racine – possible attempt/ suspicious circumstance – 1 black male no weapon displayed or announced demanded the register to be opened clerk denied the request and suspect fled on foot same description as the Flowers By Walter suspect 20 minutes later
3/28 Flowers By Walter – 1 black male grabbed a knife from inside of the establishment
04/02 Success Video – 1 black male semi auto handgun
04/16 Wisconsin Vision – 1 black male no weapon displayed demanded money
05/10 – attempt at Wisconsin Ave Community Snacks 437 Wisconsin Ave. – 1 black male demanded the register be opened- clerk unable to do so suspect fled