Second Suspect, Alleged Shooter Arrested In Elsberry Vape Shop Robbery Case
- John Eads
- Jun 22
- 4 min read
Elsberry, Mo. — Nearly six months after an armed robbery inside The SPOT Smoke and Play in Elsberry ended with a man being shot, authorities have arrested a second suspect and revealed new details about what allegedly happened inside the store that night.
Austin James Beyer, 22, of O'Fallon, is now facing multiple felony charges in connection with the December 26, 2025 robbery and shooting. Authorities allege Beyer was one of three men who entered the business during the robbery and was holding the firearm that discharged during the encounter.
The arrest comes weeks after authorities announced charges against Quintel Drejontay Coleman, who investigators identified as another participant in the robbery.
Charges:
• Robbery 1st Degree
• Armed Criminal Action
• Assault 1st Degree
Read our previous story on Coleman here.
According to authorities, deputies responded to The SPOT Smoke and Play on the evening of December 26 after reports of an armed robbery and shooting.
When deputies arrived, one victim had suffered a gunshot wound while another victim was described as being in a hysterical state inside the business.
Police say surveillance footage showed three suspects entering the store.
According to investigators, one suspect immediately approached a female employee near the front of the business, pointed a gun at her head and repeatedly ordered her to be quiet while taking control of her cellphone.
At the same time, two other suspects moved toward the back portion of the store where they encountered a second victim.
Authorities say a single gunshot was fired during that confrontation, striking the victim in the back.
All three suspects then fled the business.
Investigators later identified a red Toyota Camry leaving the area immediately after the robbery. The vehicle was tracked through surveillance footage, license plate readers, rental records, GPS data and cellphone evidence.
Authorities allege Coleman rented the vehicle used during the robbery. GPS records allegedly showed the vehicle repeatedly driving around The SPOT Smoke and Play before the crime, behavior investigators described as consistent with surveillance of a target location.
The investigation later led detectives to Beyer.
According to authorities, Beyer agreed to speak with detectives and admitted participating in the robbery.
Police say Beyer identified Coleman and a third suspect as the other participants.
According to investigators, Beyer stated the robbery was discussed while the group was playing video games before the incident. He allegedly told detectives that Coleman had previously visited the vape shop and suggested targeting the business.
Authorities say Beyer described the group leaving a residence in Coleman's rental vehicle before stopping along the way to put on masks, gloves and dark clothing.
Beyer allegedly told investigators he was the only participant not dressed entirely in black.
According to authorities, Beyer said the group drove around the business several times before parking nearby and entering the store.
Once inside, Beyer allegedly went toward the back of the business with another suspect while the third suspect remained near the front with the employee.
Investigators say Beyer told detectives an unexpected male emerged from the back room during the robbery.
According to authorities, Beyer stated the firearm discharged during the encounter and that he was holding the gun when it happened.
Police say Beyer later identified himself and the other suspects after being shown surveillance images from inside the business.
Authorities allege the group fled after the shooting, with one suspect stopping to recover a spent shell casing before leaving the scene.
Investigators say Beyer told detectives the clothing worn during the robbery was later burned in a fire pit and that he had not spoken with Coleman about the incident since that night.
At this time, authorities have announced charges against Coleman and Beyer. A third suspect mentioned throughout the investigation has not been publicly identified by law enforcement.
Read our original coverage from the night of the robbery and shooting here.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Lincoln CountyWatch is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency, prosecutor's office, court, or government entity.
Information published by Lincoln CountyWatch is based on information provided by law enforcement, court filings, and other sources available at the time of publication. Additional information may emerge as the investigation and court proceedings continue.
Sources: Lincoln County Sheriff's Office; Lincoln County Circuit Court.
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Story by John Eads | Lincoln CountyWatch
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