Armed robberies in Tri-Cities area may be related

Authorities continue to investigate recent armed robberies in St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia and North Aurora, some of which could be related, according to a police official who would not elaborate Tuesday.

If a person walks into a store and pulls a gun, police don't want employees or customers to try and stop it.

“Don't be a hero. The absolute best thing you can do is to be a good witness. Objects and money can be replaced; people cannot,” Geneva Police Cmdr. Julie Nash said Tuesday, noting police hold crime prevention seminars with businesses throughout the year.

On Nov. 23, a gunman robbed a Subway, 13 S. Randall Road in Batavia and two days later two men robbed a Domino's Pizza, 1450 W. Main St. in St. Charles, tying up two employees.

On Nov. 28, a gunman also robbed a Subway at 53 S. Randall Road in North Aurora.

In Geneva, a gunman robbed the First State Bank, 323 W. State St. on Dec. 5 and the GameStop, 1492 Randall Road, on Thursday.

“There is some evidence that would lead us to be believe they are related,” said Nash, who would not elaborate. “Obviously, we're not the only ones that have been hit lately. It's still under investigation and we're working with other departments.”

Paul McCurtain, spokesman for St. Charles Police, declined to elaborate on whether the robberies were related.

He said authorities had submitted some evidence from the Domino's heist for examination, but did not elaborate.

“There were a number of items of evidence at the scene that we've sent to the state crime lab and we're awaiting a final disposition,” McCurtain said.

If residents have information about any of these incidents, they are asked to call: St. Charles Police at (630) 377-4435; Geneva Police at (630) 232-4736; Batavia Police at (630) 454-2500; or North Aurora Police at (630) 897-8705.