SIU student shot during robbery, three suspects at large

SIU student shot during robbery, three suspects at large

By Bill Lukitsch, @Bill_LukitschDE

Carbondale Police are looking for three suspects after an SIU student was shot during an armed robbery over Polar Bear weekend.

Spencer DePue, a senior studying management, said in an email Sunday that he is recovering well after suffering a single gunshot wound to his upper-right shoulder. DePue, who was shot just before 6 p.m. Saturday, walked to the 700 block of East Grand Avenue, where he sought assistance from Pinch Penny Pub staff and was transported by ambulance to Carbondale Memorial Hospital. 

“Actually I feel quite well and in good spirits despite my predicament,” DePue said Sunday. “In a way I feel like a local legend right now. My shoulder is a little sore. But honestly, it just feels like I worked out too much. Adrenaline does wonders.”  

Advertisement

DePue was walking in the vicinity of Cedarview Drive and East Walnut Street when an armed robber approached him demanding personal property, police said. Two more suspects appeared and DePue was shot during a physical altercation that ensued.

MORE: Photos of Polar Bear

DePue then walked to Pinch Penny Pub for help, where an employee gave him temporary medical attention, owner James Karayiannis said.

“We tended to him as best we could until the emergency services got here,” Karayiannis said. 

DePue said he was moved to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis for treatment and he expects a speedy recovery.

Police did not have anyone in custody as of Saturday night.

Advertisement*

Anna Spoerre contributed to this report.

Bill Lukitsch can be contacted at [email protected] or (618) 536-3329.

Advertisement