CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, IL (Chambana Today) – Two men from Grayville, Illinois, are in custody following a string of early morning burglaries at two Casey’s General Store locations in Champaign County.
The first break-in occurred during the early hours of Saturday, April 12, at the Casey’s General Store located at 408 North Lincoln in Philo. Unknown suspects forced entry into the store and made off with various stolen items, including U.S. currency.
Less than 24 hours later, at approximately 1:23 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, Champaign County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an alarm at the Casey’s General Store at 500 West Center Street in Thomasboro. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a second forced entry. Officers from the Rantoul Police Department arrived to assist.
Shortly after, officers spotted a vehicle believed to be tied to the earlier Philo burglary. During a traffic stop, deputies observed items inside the vehicle that linked the occupants to both crime scenes. The driver attempted to flee but was quickly stopped. Both suspects then fled on foot. One was apprehended without incident, while the other resisted arrest, injuring a deputy in the process. The deputy was treated and released from a local hospital.
Further investigation led authorities to a motel in Urbana, where the suspects had been staying. A search warrant was obtained, and more than $8,000 in U.S. currency was recovered from their room.
The two individuals arrested were identified as Ryan Valencia, 37, and Joseph Caldwell, 36. Both face charges of burglary, possession of burglary tools, and resisting arrest. Caldwell faces an additional charge of aggravated battery to a police officer. The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation and urges anyone with additional information to contact them at 217-384-1213.