By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Man arrested for armed robberies
Two other suspects still sought by police
devonteamrs1
Devonte Arms

Platteville police arrested a 22-year-old Platteville man in connection with a pair of armed robberies in February.

Devonte Shamar Arms faces two counts of party to burglary — building or dwelling and seven counts of party to armed robbery with threat of force, all felony charges.

Arms made his first appearance in Grant County Circuit Court in Lancaster Friday, where bond was set at $10,000.

Arms’ preliminary hearing on the charges is scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m. The robbery charges each have maximum sentences of 40 years in prison and $100,000 in fines, and the burglary charges each have maximum sentences of six years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Police said five victims in a Fox Ridge Road residence reported they were robbed Feb. 12 around 11:18 p.m. by three masked males, one of whom was armed with a rifle, another with a handgun. The victims were told to lie down on the floor face down while the suspects took their wallets and other belongings, police said. One of the victims was hit in the face, though not seriously injured. 

Police said in February the residence “was possibly targeted based on past relationships.” 

The Fox Ridge Road investigation revealed that a similar armed robbery had taken place the previous night on Division Street Feb. 11 around 11 p.m. That robbery also involved three males, police said.

Arms was sentenced to 90 days in jail and fined $443 in court costs and a DNA surcharge after he pleaded no contest May 19 to possession of cocaine, according to court records. 

Arms is the only person to have been charged in connection with the robberies. The other suspects have not been positively identified or arrested. Anyone with information is asked to call police, 348-2313.