GALESBURG, Ill. — A 67-year-old Galesburg resident faces multiple felony charges after allegedly committing six armed robberies of local businesses during a 22-day span in April and May, according to police reports.
Grayling L. Churn was apprehended May 15 following a vehicle and foot chase after the final robbery in the series. He remains in the Knox County Jail. His next scheduled court date is a pretrial conference on Aug. 4.
Robberies overview
Circle K, April 23
At 5:51 a.m., police responded to Circle K, 501 N. Henderson St., for a reported robbery. The suspect had fled before officers arrived. A male employee was found injured and bleeding from both arms. Three employees said the suspect approached on foot, ordered one to empty the cash register while brandishing a gun, assaulted the male employee, and pushed a female employee before taking about $150 and fleeing north on Henderson Street. A third employee had called 911 after noticing an SUV parked nearby earlier than usual. Officers reviewed security footage.
McDonald’s, April 29
At 5:37 a.m., officers responded to McDonald’s, 1158 E. Main St., for an armed robbery. Employees said the suspect demanded money from the safe while holding a handgun and fled west on foot with about $4,050. Security footage confirmed the incident.
AmericInn, May 11
Officers arrived at AmericInn, 2284 Promenade Court, at 3:12 a.m. for a robbery in progress. The suspect punched an employee, forced him to open the register, and fled with approximately $600. The suspect also threatened a second employee outside with a gun, causing him to lock himself inside. Security footage supported the account.
Dunkin’, May 13
At 5:04 a.m., police responded to Dunkin’, 955 N. Henderson St., where the suspect followed an employee inside, claimed to have a gun, and forced open the safe before fleeing through a rear door with about $400. Security footage was reviewed.
Hy-Vee, May 13
Less than 90 minutes after the Dunkin’ robbery, police were called to Hy-Vee, 2030 E. Main St. An employee said the suspect approached her register with a concealed object resembling a gun wrapped in a sheet and demanded money. After she refused and screamed, the suspect fled. Security footage showed the suspect entering through a back door and attempting to disguise himself as a delivery worker.
Flavor Freeze, May 16
At 9:21 p.m., officers responded to Flavor Freeze, 552 S. Farnham St., for a robbery in progress. The suspect waited by the back door before forcing entry, pointing a gun at the owner and grabbing bank bags of money. The owner struggled with the suspect using a wooden police baton, but he fled on foot with the cash. She attempted to pursue but was unsuccessful.
Apprehension and charges
Following the Flavor Freeze robbery, officers identified the suspect as Grayling L. Churn. Police attempted to stop his vehicle near Knox and Lombard streets, but Churn fled at speeds over 80 mph, driving recklessly through residential areas before abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot.
A foot chase followed through multiple backyards, during which officers used a Taser and baton to subdue Churn. Despite resisting and attempting to escape multiple times, he was arrested.
K-9 Officer Zeus assisted by tracking Churn’s path and locating keys to his vehicle and an officer’s body camera.
Charges
According to Knox County Court records, Churn faces:
– Seven counts of Class 1 felony aggravated/armed robbery
– Five counts of Class 2 felony burglary
– One count of Class 2 felony aggravated battery on an officer
– Five counts of Class 3 felony aggravated battery in a public place
– Two counts of Class 3 felony theft over $500
– One count of Class 3 felony aggravated battery against a victim age 60 or older
– Three counts of Class 4 felony aggravated fleeing
– One count of Class 4 felony resisting an officer
– Misdemeanor charges of speeding and criminal damage under $500
