Two Grayville men, 37-year-old Ryan Valencia and 36-year-old Joseph Caldwell are in custody in Champaign County following their arrest Sunday morning as suspects in two Casey’s General Store burglaries. According to WICS in Springfield, in the early morning hours this past Saturday, the suspects broke into the Casey’s General Store at 408 North Lincoln in Philo, Illinois, which is just south of Champaign stealing various items, including U.S. currency.
Then Sunday morning at approximately 1:23 a.m., Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an alarm at another Casey’s General Store located at 500 West Center Street in Thomasboro, just south of Rantoul. Upon arrival, deputies discovered forced entry into the business.
Officers from the Rantoul Police Department assisted and quickly spotted a vehicle believed to be connected to the Philo burglary. During a traffic stop, deputies observed items inside the vehicle linking Valencia and Caldwell to both burglaries. The driver, Valencia attempted to flee but was unsuccessful. Both occupants then tried to escape on foot. Valencia was apprehended without incident, while Caldwell resisted arrest, causing minor injuries to a deputy. The deputy was treated and released from the hospital.
Further investigation led deputies to a motel in Urbana, where the suspects had rented a room. A search warrant was obtained, resulting in the recovery of over $8,000 in U.S. currency.
Ryan Valencia and Joseph Caldwell were charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, and resisting arrest. Caldwell faces an additional charge of aggravated battery to a police officer. Both men are lodged in the Champaign County Jail pending a court appearance.
Comments