Mattoon Robbery Suspects Possibly Related to Effingham Holdup

Effingham and Mattoon police are investigating whether two suspects arrested in holdups in Mattoon could have also been involved in an armed robbery in Effingham.

Mattoon police with the assistance of the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department have arrested 21-year-old Zachary T. Sapp and 24-year-old Nicholas A. Jackson, both of Toledo, on a charge of armed robbery. The charge stems from the holdup at Casey's General Store at 920 Charleston Avenue in Mattoon just after 5am Monday. The charge alleges that both Sapp and Jackson participated in the robbery at Casey's General Store.

Mattoon police also announced that information regarding the armed robbery of Econolodge at 1412 West Fayette in Effingham just before 2am Tuesday has been forwarded to Effingham police. Further investigation by Effingham police in cooperation with Mattoon police, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, and Crimestoppers developed a suspect believed to be responsible for the Econolodge robbery. The identity of the suspect in the Effingham holdup will be released if formal charges are filed.

During the Econolodge holdup, a suspect entered the front of the building, leading the employee to exit the rear of the building. An undetermined amount of cash was taken from the cash drawer.

No injuries have resulted from any of the incidents in Mattoon or Effingham.