Reports and calls about a possible shotgun and shots fired Wednesday night led Bloomington police to the intersection of West Smith and Fairview Street in response to an armed robbery by three suspects.
The three suspects — Kenneth Stevens, 25; Crystal Lethig, 28; Aaron Richardson, 29 — claimed they attempted to break into a house near Smith and Fairview to retrieve Lehig's phone and a bottle of Xanax from the three residents living there.
One of the victims was in the house when he noticed the trio approach his residence. Stevens and Richardson attempted to kick in the door, but the 39-year-old victim was able to hold the door closed.
The suspects then left briefly and returned with a shotgun. The 39-year-old ran away from the door and the suspects kicked it in and began rummaging through the house for Lethig's cell phone.
While the suspects were searching the house, all three victims were able to run out around the back of the house. The three robbers were unable to find the phone but they did reportedly take a tattoo gun and ink from the house.
While the three were driving away, one of the victims threw a rock through the back windshield, hitting Richardson. Stevens responded by firing a round from his shotgun. The victim was not hurt.
Stevens later claimed to police he thought someone had shot at him first.
BPD detectives searched for the vehicle and found it, and the suspects, near West Cottage Grove Avenue. Richardson had a large gash on the back of his head after being hit by the rock and was taken to the hospital while the other two were taken to the police station.
Both Lethig and Stevens admitted to being at the residence, but not to stealing anything. Both said they were there to return Lethig's cell phone to her.
According to the arrest summary, Lethig and Richardson were both charged with criminal confinement and robbery. Stevens was charged with both of those, as well as aggravated battery.
