Two face aggravated robbery charges after Peru bank robbery

Aggravated robbery charges for two men police think robbed the Peru Federal Savings Bank on Shooting Park Road.
Investigators say a man went into the bank at about 5pm Friday, implied he had a gun and made off with an unknown amount of cash. They say he left in a car that was waiting in the parking lot.
Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei says a description of the car was sent out over the radio and soon, a car matching that description was spotted by a state police trooper.
A few minutes later, the car was stopped on Route 23 in Ottawa.
Richard Rigg of Rock Island and Chad Diederich of Carbon Cliff and the car were taken to Peru Police Department. After more investigating, they were taken to the La Salle County Jail, being held on aggravated robbery charges.
The FBI and Illinois State Police are assisting the Peru Police in their investigation.

Ambulance towed after crashing involving semi

The Peru Volunteer Ambulance Service was down an ambulance after one got into an accident with a semi.
It happened while a crew was responding to a call Thursday afternoon. The ambulance and the semi truck were both heading west on Civic Road when the truck apparently truck reportedly turned in front of the ambulance.
Mark Roberson is the director of the ambulance service. He says another ambulance was dispatched to the call while the two ambulance workers were taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital has a precaution.
He’s not sure how badly the ambulance was damaged. It had to be towed. They’ll receive a loaner ambulance to use in the meantime.
The man driving the truck, Jeffery Lawrence of Lyndon, was ticketed for not yielding to an emergency vehicle.
Roberson says if you see an ambulance coming, stop and pull over to the right as far as you can so the ambulance can pass you on the left.

Sentence Stands In Serena Shooting

One of two Kewanee brothers in prison for a shooting near Serena was denied a second chance.

Judge H. Chris Ryan yesterday denied Gabriel Rosas’ motion to vacate a guilty judgment against him. The guilty judgement on a gun charge has him facing 10 years in prison.

During the hearing, Rosas’ attorney argued that the sentence is too harsh and forensics don’t tie Rosas to the crime scene. Rosas’ brother Simon Rosas-Hernandez was given 12 years for firing a shotgun and injuring Fernando Rosas-Bohena of Aurora.

While he didn’t pull the trigger, the judge and jury believe Gabriel Rosas ordered his brother to fire the gun. The gun also belonged to Gabriel.

Police Looking For Alleged Attacker

Ottawa Police are looking for a man they think was behind an attack last month.

Warrants have been issued for Steven McAlpine of Marseilles and William Milian Jr. of Ottawa on charges of aggravated battery and mob action. Milian was arrested yesterday at his home but police are still looking for McAlpine.

McAlpine and Milian are accused of attacking a man last month at a south side home. The alleged victim had to be flown to St Francis Medical Center for treatment. Detectives believe the attack was random.

Tri-County Fair Starts

Many people will spend their Labor Day weekend in Mendota. It’s time for the annual Tri-County Fair.

Things going on today at the fairgrounds are Harness Racing at one and Megacross Racing tonight at 7. The carnival also gets going today. Tomorrow’s schedule includes everything from a Hot Dog Eating Contest during the day and a Demo Derby at night.

WLPO’s Rod Thorson will broadcast from the fair starting at 5.