Suspects Face Multiple Charges in St. Clair County Train Robbery

Joint efforts by local law enforcement and Metro Public Safety led to the rapid detention of suspects accused of attacking a commuter.

Dec 14, 2025 3:05 PM Dec 14, 2025 3:16 PM

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY — On Thursday evening, December 4, 2025, at 7:49 p.m., the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call reporting an active disturbance and potential robbery aboard an eastbound train near the Memorial Hospital Metrolink station.

Two deputies on safety patrol at the Fairview Heights Metrolink Station encountered the victim, a 37-year-old man, who reported being physically assaulted by two male suspects and one female suspect. The victim sustained visible injuries and said the suspects stole several personal items during the unprovoked attack.

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Using descriptions provided by the victim, deputies coordinated with local law enforcement agencies, Metro Public Safety, and the communications center. Security camera monitors at the station, equipped with recently upgraded technology, identified the suspects in real time. Officers were immediately notified and detained the suspects as they exited the train, with assistance from the Belleville Police Department.

Following positive identification, all suspects were taken into custody without further incident. Detectives from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigative Division interviewed witnesses, reviewed evidence, and compiled information related to the incident. Charges were submitted to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.

The victim was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. All suspects remain in custody at the St. Clair County Jail, ordered by Judge Dominic Kujawa to stay detained pending a hearing scheduled for December 9 at 1:30 p.m.

Metrolink collaborates with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, St. Louis County Police Department, and St. Louis Police Department, alongside other agencies, to maintain safety across the Illinois and Missouri transit system. Metro Public Safety’s real-time camera monitoring, local dispatch capabilities, and deployment of additional officers on trains and platforms contributed to the swift apprehension of the suspects.

“We will continue to collaborate with Metro Public Safety to review our practices and ensure that our transit system remains a safe and reliable option for commuters traveling to and from their destinations,” a statement from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department said.

Assistant State’s Attorney Jason Emmanuel issued formal charges against the suspects on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, as required by the Illinois Supreme Court.

Charges were submitted to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.

On Saturday, December 6th, 2025, Assistant State’s Attorney Jason Emmanuel issued the following charges:

Angelo Farmer.