Police searching for armed robbery suspect

[October 10, 2008]  The Lincoln Police Department has released an artist's sketch of the suspect who attempted an armed robbery and an abduction from the Lincoln Dental Center, 411 Keokuk St., on Thursday at 5:49 p.m.

The suspect entered the rear, unlocked door to the dental center and was told by an employee to leave. The suspect exited the rear door and waited a short time when two female employees were leaving work. The suspect then confronted the first female who exited the business, and a second employee slammed and locked the door to the business when she saw the weapon.

The suspect displayed a "shiny revolver" and attempted to force the female employee into a vehicle. The employee broke away and escaped to call the police.

The suspect then left the area in an older model minivan -- silver, gray or primer color.

The suspect was wearing a baseball cap, glasses, flannel long-sleeved shirt over a white shirt, blue jeans and had scruffy facial hair.

The suspect was seen by several employees of other businesses in the area prior to the incident.

An Illinois State Police artist prepared the sketch.

Anyone having information regarding this incident or similar incidents should contact the Lincoln Police Department at 217-732-2151.

[Text from file received from Stuart R. Erlenbush, chief of police, Lincoln Police Department]

The public is reminded that anyone is presumed innocent until charges are proven in a court of law.