GPS Data, Rental Car Records Lead to Arrest in Elsberry Vape Shop Shooting
- John Eads
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Elsberry, Mo. — Nearly five months after a violent armed robbery inside an Elsberry vape shop left an employee shot in the back, one of the suspects accused in the case that shook the community the day after Christmas is now in custody.
Authorities allege 22-year-old Quintel Drejontay Coleman, of St. Joseph, Missouri, participated in the December 26, 2025 armed robbery and shooting at the business located in the 500 block of Broadway in Elsberry.
QUINTEL DREJONTAY COLEMAN, St. Joseph, Mo
Charges:
• Assault 1st Degree
• Robbery 1st Degree
• Armed Criminal Action
The robbery happened just after 7:00 p.m. when three masked individuals entered the business armed with weapons.
One suspect carried a handgun while another carried a hammer as employees and customers inside the store were confronted during the robbery.
During the incident, one victim was forced to the ground at gunpoint while a suspect repeatedly told them “shhh” in an apparent attempt to stop screaming.
At the same time, the armed suspects moved toward the back of the business where another employee was located.
Moments later, a single gunshot rang out inside the store.
An employee was struck in the back during the robbery as the suspects rushed from the business and fled eastbound from the area.
The injured employee survived and was transported to a hospital for treatment before later being released.
Lincoln CountyWatch responded to the scene that night as deputies flooded downtown Elsberry searching for the suspects.
Surveillance images later released from the business showed masked suspects inside the store as investigators worked to identify those involved.
The robbery quickly became one of the most heavily discussed violent crimes in Elsberry in recent months as residents shared surveillance images across social media while investigators tracked leads across multiple counties.
Authorities later connected a rented red Toyota Camry to the robbery after surveillance footage captured the vehicle leaving Elsberry immediately after the shooting.
GPS data, cellphone information, surveillance footage, rental vehicle records, and license plate reader systems across multiple counties were all used as part of the investigation.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office officials told Lincoln CountyWatch investigators executed two search warrants Tuesday in St. Joseph, Missouri, before Coleman was taken into custody during the early afternoon hours without incident.
The investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests or charges could still follow.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you have information, corrections, or tips, contact Lincoln CountyWatch at tips@lincolncountywatch.com or call/text 636-377-0201.
Lincoln CountyWatch is an independent news organization and is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency or government entity.
Story by John Eads
Sources:
Lincoln County Circuit Court
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
Previously published Lincoln CountyWatch reporting