Arrest Warrant Issued Stemming from Shooting at Mattoon Bar

An arrest warrant has been issued and a suspect is being sought in a shooting incident earlier this month at Toaster's Bar in Mattoon.

Mattoon Chief of Police Jeff Branson along with Coles County State’s Attorney Brian Bower have issued an arrest warrant for 40-year-old Thomas Ray O’Dell for the murder of Benjamin Newton. 

Newton was tending bar at Toaster's March 18 when he was shot at close range. An undisclosed sum of cash was taken as well.

Mattoon City Police and the State’s Attorney's Office, as well as the East Central Illinois Task Force, Illinois State Police, Cumberland County Sheriff's Office and the Coles County Coroner all jointly investigated the incident.

Thomas Ray O’Dell is at large and considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information is asked to call Mattoon Police Department at 235-5451.