Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- At approximately 10:35 P.M. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Effingham Police responded to a 911 call at Days Inn, 1602 Damron Ct, Effingham, for a report of a robbery which had just occurred. The initial report was that a male subject, armed with a knife, had demanded the hotel’s cash drawer from an employee. After seizing the cash drawer which contained an undetermined amount of cash, the subject fled before police could be alerted. No injuries were reported as a result of the robbery.
Effingham Police Officers arrived on scene within minutes and rapidly searched the immediate area for the suspect but were unsuccessful. Officers reviewed the hotel’s video camera footage to determine the suspect’s direction of travel. After ascertaining which route the suspect fled, an Effingham Police K9 was deployed to perform a track, and successfully recovered the cash drawer and articles of clothing believed to have been discarded by the suspect. Utilizing an unmanned aircraft system (drone) operated by Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, the suspect was located in a makeshift encampment in a wooded area behind Boos Outlet Showroom, 1703 Ave of Mid America, where Officers and Illinois State Police Troop 9 Troopers successfully effected an arrest without further incident.
The suspect was identified as Nicholas A. Courtright, 20, homeless, Effingham, and taken to Effingham County Jail where he was booked on the following charges:
- Armed Robbery – Class X Felony
- Criminal Trespass to Real Property – Class B Misdemeanor
An initial court appearance will be held tomorrow, April 2, 2026, to determine eligibility for continued detention under the Pre-Trial Fairness Act. Armed Robbery qualifies as a detainable offense under the SAFE-T Act, and individuals charged with this violation of law canbe detained pre-trial. Because Courtright used deadly weapons during the commission of a robbery of an individual at a business, Effingham Police Department is in support of detention for Courtright.
Effingham Police Chief Kurt Davis applauded the cooperation of agencies and highlighted the benefits of using real-time technology during incidents. Chief Davis noted, “I’m proud of the work our officers, alongside our partner agencies, did to safely apprehend this suspect. In a small community like ours, teamwork and strong relationships make all the difference, and that was clearly demonstrated here. The use of a variety of tools and technology such as video surveillance, Police K9, and a drone helped us track and locate the suspect rapidly. Utilizing all available tools at our disposal allows us to keep the public as well as officers safer. We’re grateful this situation was resolved without injury to either members of the public or responding law enforcement officers. At this time, there is no indication the suspect was working with anyone else – this appears to be an isolated incident.”
Effingham Police Investigators are furthering the incident, and no additional information will be released at this time. Additionally, the case is undergoing further review by the Effingham County State’s Attorney for pre-trial detainment.
ALL INDIVIDUALS LISTED AS ARRESTED OR ISSUED A CITATION ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW
If you see it, say it! The Effingham Police Department encourages you to call the Police Department immediately at 217-347-0774 to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood or business district. Information can be given anonymously by calling the CRIME STOPPERS Tip Line at 217-347-6583. Anonymous callers can receive up to $1,000 cash rewards.
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