MOUNT VERNON — The Mt. Vernon Police Department has arrested a 22-year-old suspect in a recent string of armed robberies in the area.

(Source: MVPD)
Denzal Haynes has been tentatively charged with three counts armed robbery in connection with the January 16, armed robbery of Jumpin’ Jimmy’s on Broadway in Mt. Vernon; and two armed robberies of Times Square Liquors on Salem Road in Mt. Vernon. He is also a suspect in the January 18, armed robbery of Blue Goose Liquor in Wamac.
According to Wamac police, law enforcement is still searching for the second suspect allegedly involved with all three robberies.
Haynes was taken into custody following a traffic stop around 10:30 Thursday night near Seventh and Barton in Mt. Vernon.
He was initially taken into custody for alleged obstructing identity for providing a false name and driving while license revoked.
The traffic stop led to further investigation related to the recent armed robberies in Mt. Vernon and Wamac.
During the investigation two search warrants were served, three residences searched, one vehicle searched, and numerous people interviewed. The investigation led to the recovery of property from the robberies and items believed to have been used during the robberies.
This is an on-going investigation between the Mt Vernon Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Wamac Police Department, Illinois State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Additional charges and arrests are expected.
Haynes pleaded guilty January 13 in two separate Jefferson County cases — one from 2012 and one from 2013 — in which he was charged in each case with Class 1 felony manufacture of less than 15 grams of methamphetamine, Class 2 possession of meth manufacturing material and Class 2 felony possession of less than 15 grams of meth precursors.
He pleaded guilty in each case to the Class 1 felony charges, in exchange for the Class 2 felonies being dismissed. He was sentenced to 36 months probation in each case to be served concurrently.