Belleville, IL – Three suspects were taken into custody Dec. 4 Thursday night after a violent robbery at the Fairview Heights MetroLink Station left a 37-year-old man injured, according to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies responded around 7:49 p.m. Thursday after a 911 caller reported a disturbance aboard an eastbound train approaching the Memorial Hospital station. When deputies arrived at the Fairview Heights platform, they found the victim, who said he had allegedly been attacked by two men and one woman. He reported several items had been stolen during what authorities described as an unprovoked assault.
According to the sheriff’s office, upgraded MetroLink surveillance cameras allowed public safety monitors to identify the suspects in real time, relaying descriptions to officers across multiple jurisdictions. As the train arrived at the station, deputies—assisted by Belleville Police—detained all three individuals without further incident.
Detectives conducted interviews, reviewed camera footage, and submitted findings to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office. On Saturday, prosecutors filed charges against:
Angelo D. Farmer, 23, of St. Louis — three counts of armed robbery, three counts of aggravated battery in a public place, and three counts of mob action involving two or more people.
Demetrius L. Alfred, 26, of St. Louis — three counts of robbery, three counts of aggravated battery in a public place, and three counts of mob action.
Shray S. Allen, 18, of Bellefontaine, MO — three counts of robbery, three counts of aggravated battery, and three counts of mob action.
The victim received hospital treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. A judge ordered all three suspects to remain in custody pending a December 9 detention hearing.
Officials credited Metro Public Safety’s camera network and cross-agency coordination for the swift arrests.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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