Sparta man charged with armed robbery after attempted heist at local restaurant

SPARTA, Ill., (KBSI) — A 66-year-old Sparta man has been charged with armed robbery after allegedly attempting to rob employees of Accel Entertainment at Lollie’s Restaurant on Tuesday.

Police received a 911 call around 12:24 p.m. reporting the attempted robbery.

The victims described the suspect as an older white male wearing a black jacket and blue jeans.

Responding officers set up a perimeter and searched for the suspect, who was seen fleeing on foot toward the Briarwood Hotel.

The Sparta Police Department’s K-9 unit and drone were used to search the area.

Surveillance video from nearby businesses helped track the suspect’s movements, leading police to identify the suspect as William D. Lawless.

Lawless was taken into custody at his residence and charged with one count of armed robbery.

He was transported to the Randolph County Jail.

The Sparta Police Department thanked the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and local businesses for their assistance in the case.