An armed robbery suspect was subdued and arrested by Centerville police on Monday night with the help of a pair of good samaritans.
According to Chief Tom Demry of the Centerville Police Department, at 6:28 PM, the department received a report of a robbery on South Main Street.
When an officer arrived at the scene, he was encountered by 56-year-old Kelly Joe Shiltz of Centerville. Shilltz allegedly approached the officer while swinging an edged weapon. Demry says Shiltz refused to drop his weapon despite the officer’s repeated commands to do so.
The officer deployed his taser in an attempt to stop Stiltz but it proved to be ineffective. Demry says Shiltz continued to advance on the officer while swinging his weapon.
As the officer continued to issue commands to Shiltz, two citizens assisted the officer in taking Shiltz to the ground and placing him in handcuffs, according to Demry.
The officer reportedly suffered wounds to both of his wrists. He was treated at a local hospital and released.
Shiltz was charged with the following:
- first-degree robbery (Class B felony)
- interference with official acts while using a dangerous weapon (Class C felony)
- assault on a peace officer while displaying a dangerous weapon (Class D felony)
- going armed with intent (Class D felony)
- assault while participating in a felony (Class D felony)
- possession of a controlled substance – third or subsequent offense (Class D felony)
- fifth-degree theft (simple misdemeanor)
Shiltz was transported to the Appanoose County Jail. He is currently being held without bond.
Demry was thankful for the help his officer received.
“Without their willingness to come to the aid of an officer, this situation may have ended much worse. It is comforting to know that there are people out there that have our back when it’s needed. I cannot thank them enough for doing the right thing even when they weren’t asked. I would also like to thank the staff at Joe’s Quick Shop for providing valuable information to the dispatcher prior to the officers arrival and assisting the officer with his injuries immediately after the arrest.” Centerville Police Department Chief Tom Demry
