Suspects arrested at Lambert Airport in connection with multiple burglaries

On June 7, the Alton Police Department was alerted about a burglary inside Champs Sports located in the Alton Square Mall.

An investigation revealed several suspects forced entry into the mall during non-business hours, then forced their way into Champs Sports.

Police said the suspect stole a large amount of store merchandise during the burglary.

About 10 days later, police were notified of a business alarm that went off at Alton Square Mall after business hours.

As the first officer arrived on the scene, he saw multiple suspects running out of the mall and into two vehicles.

The officer tried to stop one of the vehicles but the vehicle failed to stop. After a brief pursuit, the suspect vehicle crashed and the driver of the vehicle hopped out and ran away from the scene.

Police searched the area but said they could not catch up to the suspect.

Another investigation concluded the suspects forced entry into Alton Square Mall and forced their way into Champs Sports, and stole store merchandise.

Officers in Alton were able to locate items of evidence in the suspect vehicle after the crash that helped lead them to the suspects responsible for the burglaries.

On June 23, evidence was presented to the Madison County State's Attorneys Office and warrants for issued for five suspects.

The suspects include:

Janay Clark, 25

Lamya N. Carson, 21

Asia L. Franklin, 25

Kendra S. Franklin, 27

Joseph M. King, 26

Each suspect was charged with two counts of burglary and bond is set at $100,000.

Four female suspects were arrested at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport after returning from a vacation.

Joseph M. King was taken into custody three days later at a home in St. Louis.

All five suspects will be extradited to Madison County from the St. Louis County Jail.

Alton Police said they are still investigating a burglary that occurred on June 10 at the Finish Line store inside Alton Square Mall.

Evidence gathered suggests these same suspects are linked to this burglary incident but no formal charges have been filed at this time.

According to police, the suspects are also linked to numerous business burglaries in Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky.

If you have any information about these suspects in connection to these burglaries, contact Detective Joe Splittorff at 618-463-3505 ext. 632.

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