MT. VERNON (WMIX) – A Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputy has received a letter of commendation stemming from his actions last month during an armed robbery in Woodlawn.

According to the sheriff’s department, on the afternoon of Dec. 20, 2022, Deputy Monte “Rick” Ewing responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting an armed robbery at 200 Casey St. in Woodlawn.

A suspect vehicle was described as a white Nissan Maxima with two males inside armed with a firearm.

When responding to the area, Deputy Ewing reportedly spotted the white Nissan and initiated a pursuit on Illinois Highway 15 and Shiloh Drive on Mt. Vernon’s west side.

The vehicle ultimately pulled over in the parking lot of YouthBuild. The stop resulted in the recovery of a stolen firearm and both suspects were ultimately arrested and charged.

Sheriff Jeff Bullard applauded Ewing’s response to the incident, saying “Catching armed robbery suspects makes the community safer.”