Two Men Arrested in Connection with Maplewood Holdup

Maplewood police have arrested two men in connection with the at Candyland convenience store at 7181 Manchester Road.

Abraham Fields, 18, of North St. Louis County, and Allen Coleman, 19, of Bridgeton, were both charged with first-degree robbery and armed criminal action. The two are charged with stealing $118.04 in cash during the holdup.

The May 7 incident was the third armed robbery in two weeks in Maplewood. There was an armed robbery April 25 at in the 2800 block of S. Big Bend Blvd. and another on May 5, when two victims were held up on a street in the 3600 block of Commonwealth Avenue.

Sgt. Matt Nighbor doesn't believe the three cases are related but couldn't offer more information because the incidents are still under investigation.

While two of the armed robberies happened at businesses, Nighbor shared some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of an armed robbery.

“It’s a crime of opportunity,” he said. “The only thing good citizens can do is to use common sense. Walk in groups in well-lit, busy areas.”

Anyone with information on the April 25 or May 5 armed robberies is asked to call the at 314-645-4880.