x
Breaking News
More () »

Police: Three involved in chase from Moline to Davenport had nothing to do with gas station robbery

Three people are in custody after an armed robbery in Moline led to a crash in Davenport.

MOLINE, Illinois -- The three people who were arrested in connection to an armed robbery in Moline on Tuesday turned out to have nothing to do with the crime, according to police.

Police were initially called to Moline Food Gas & Liquor, at 34th Street and Avenue of the Cities around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10.   A spokesperson from the Moline Police Department said a black male went into the gas station, displayed a pistol, and stole money.

As investigators searched around the gas station, they found a pile of evidence that the armed robber had dropped as he fled, according to Detective Leach with the Moline Police Department.  During a search of that evidence, officers spotted a nearby vehicle whose driver matched the description of the armed robber.  As officers approached the vehicle, it fled, ultimately leading police on a chase into Davenport.

The chase ended with the car crashing near Bridge Avenue and East Denison Avenue, located near Genesis Health Center.  Three people were arrested there in connection with the robbery, said police.

Detective Leach said during questioning it was determined that the three were not involved in the robbery at all.  The driver, George  Douglas James, was charged with eluding and several misdemeanors including leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, and driving while barred.  The two passengers in the vehicle were released.

After the crash, police said two of Bettendorf's squad cars and one of Davenport's squad cars sustained minor damage.

Police continue to search for the person who committed the armed robbery in Moline.  The armed robber was described as being a black male, standing 6-feet tall and weighing 200 pounds.  He was wearing a grey beanie, a dark jacket and tan pants.

Moline High School, Roosevelt Elementary, and Coolidge School were placed on passive lockdowns out of an abundance of caution after the robbery, as police and a K9 unit searched the area south of the gas station.

There were no reported injuries.

Police: Three involved in chase from Moline to Davenport had nothing to do with gas station robbery

Before You Leave, Check This Out