The Dixon Police Department announces the arrest of Benjamin D. Kelley, age 18, of Dixon, IL for Aggravated Robbery (Class 1 Felony), Robbery (Class 2 Felony) and Theft (Class A Misdemeanor).
On Wednesday, February 14th, at approximately 2:07am, the Dixon Police Department received a 911 call from Casey’s indicating that an unknown individual just committed a robbery at the business. Patrol officers arrived on scene and spoke with the witnesses at the business.
During the course of the investigation, it was learned that the suspect entered the business, handed the employee a note demanding money from the cash register. The suspect also displayed a handgun. The employee indicated that the suspect was wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, light colored pants and was wearing a mask. The employee stated that the suspect fled southbound after exiting the business. Officers from the Dixon Police Department and deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department began to canvass the area checking for the suspect.
At approximately 3:15am, a Lee County Deputy observed an individual matching the suspect’s description who had just exited a vehicle which was parked in the 300 block of West Everett Street. The individual fled on foot from the deputy. A short time later, Dixon Police Officers located the individual walking at the intersection of Squires Avenue and Lincolnway.
The person was detained and it was determined that the he matched the clothing that the suspect was wearing during the robbery. The suspect was identified as Benjamin Kelley. As officers were searching Kelley, a black handgun was located on his person. It was determined that the handgun was a BB gun but was a very realistic looking Glock BB gun.
Kelley was transported to the Dixon Police Department and processed. Once the processing was completed, Kelley was turned over to the Lee County Jail. The investigation is still ongoing with additional charges pending.
Anyone with information regarding illegal activity is asked to call the Dixon Police Department at 815-288-4411 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-Caught-U (1-888-228-4488). Callers who provide information that lead to an arrest are eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000.00.
