Four teens are in custody for a weekend crime spree that included the shooting of a bar owner near Carlyle.
Phil Koehler, owner of the Flat Branch Saloon on Rt. 127 north of Carlyle, was shot in the chest during the armed robbery early in the morning on New Year’s Day. He remains hospitalized in St. Louis.
Clinton County sheriff’s officials say the four suspects fled from the bar and allegedly stole two cars. They also allegedly robbed a Casey’s convenience store in Sandoval and led police on a chase through neighborhoods in Millstadt. Police broke off that chase, but the four were later captured. Police have not released further details as the case remains under investigation.
WGEL has confirmed that four felony charges have been filed against 18 year old Ethan Miller, of Carlyle, in relation to the case. The charges include alleged aggravated armed robbery and three counts of alleged aggravated battery. Miller is being held in the Clinton County Jail on $100,000 bail.
The investigation continues as police try to link the teens to other crimes in the Metro East.
