Armed robbery suspect identified and arrested

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – The Carbondale Police Department is asking for the public’s help after an armed robbery.

UPDATE: Armed robbery suspect identified. The suspect was identified as Jonquel M. Gaston, age 27 of Carbondale. 

Investigators worked with law enforcement officials in Champaign County, Illinois where officers arrested him. 

Gaston is charged with Armed Robbery and being an Armed Habitual Criminal.   Gaston is incarcerated in the Champaign County, Illinois County Jail awaiting extradition to Jackson County.

  The investigation into the incident continues to be active and ongoing.  

Previous release: According to the Carbondale Police Department on December 30, 2024, at 6:36 p.m. officers of the City of Carbondale Police Department, responded to a business in the 900 block of East Main Street in response to a report of an armed robbery.

Officers learned a suspect entered the business, displayed an alleged firearm and demanded money.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’06” tall, weighing approximately 240 pounds, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black athletic shorts and white shoes.

The suspect fled on foot from the business going westbound.

During the investigation, it was learned the suspect was last seen running south near the intersection of South Cedarview and East Walnut Street.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Police Department.

The investigation into the incident is active and ongoing.