Carbondale police investigate retail theft incident

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — City of Carbondale police officers responded to a report of retail theft at a business on East Main Street on July 25.

According to police, an adult and two juveniles, ages 16 and 17, fled the business with merchandise without paying. Officers located the suspects and arrested them for retail theft.

During the investigation, police learned that the adult suspect, 18-year-old Javier J. Upshaw of Carbondale, possessed a firearm during the offense. Upshaw allegedly gave the firearm to one of the juveniles, who attempted to hide it while fleeing.

Upshaw was arrested and incarcerated in the Jackson County Jail pending a detention hearing. The juveniles were released to their parents pending court appearances.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Carbondale Police Department at (618) 549-2121 or the Carbondale/SIU Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (618) 549-COPS (2677).