On Tuesday August 30th , the Mattoon Police Department, with the assistance of Springfield Police and the U.S Marshall’s Service, arrested Audrey L. Ross, age 21 of Springfield, IL. The arrest occurred in Springfield. Ross was charged with Home Invasion, Armed Robbery, and Aggravated Battery with a Firearm.
The charges allege that on Sunday August 28th at approx. 6:17 p.m. Ross, along with a co-conspirator, Willie A Simpson, forcibly entered a residence in the 1000 block of North 12th street in Mattoon. While therein, the pair allegedly robbed the resident and struck him with a firearm. Furthermore, the homeowner and his dog were both shot during the commission of the offenses. The victim is recovering at SBLHC. The canine is recovering as well.
Ms. Ross was transported to the Sangamon County jail, where she is currently held in lieu of $250,000.00 bond.
On Wednesday August 31, 2016, the Coles County States Attorney’s office issued a warrant of arrest for Willie A Simpson, age 22 of Springfield IL. The warrant was issued for Home Invasion, Armed Robbery, and Aggravated Battery with a firearm. Mr. Simpson remains at large.
Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Mr. Simpson is encouraged to contact the Mattoon Police Department at 235 – 5451 or Coles County Crimestoppers at 1–866 –345-8488.