August 02, 2025
Local News

Masked Walmart bandits arrested

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ROCK FALLS – Rock Falls Police believe they have found the men behind the masks.

Two Rock Falls teens were arrested Friday and charged with burglary in connection with a brazen theft Sunday at the Rock Falls Walmart, 1901 First Avenue.

Cody T. Lopeman, 19, and Tyler D. Patch, 18, were arrested after a tip led police to the 1300 block of Avenue A in Rock Falls.

“It was brought in by a group of kids,” Patrol Officer Doug Wolber said. “These two had bragged about what they had done.”

Police say the teens call themselves “Juggalos,” a name given to fans of the band Insane Clown Posse.

Police say one of the teens, while inside Walmart, grabbed a cart and a boxed HP computer and walked out the door. He was wearing a black T-shirt, a red-and-gray striped hooded sweatshirt and a mask similar to those worn by Insane Clown Posse band members.

He met up with the other, who was sitting on a bench outside the door, also wearing a dark shirt, jeans and a skin-tight mask.

Wolber said it was surprising that no one stopped the thief in the store, but acknowledged that the masks can be intimidating.

Police found the stolen computer, as well as the clothes and masks worn during the burglary.

Wolber said the Juggalos pride themselves “on being a little bit out there.”

“They are people that should be watched,” he said. “They are going to say they are just fanatics, but it’s gone much further than that.

Wolber said Lopeman and Patch admitted to plotting the events on Saturday, April 23. He said police suspect the two arrested are the group’s leaders.

Police are attempting to identify more members, he said.

“If anyone is walking around with a mask, they are going to be stopped,” Wolber said. “They shouldn’t be surprised if they are asked to take it off and show an ID.”

He said members of the group also often are identified with a Juggalo tattoo, depicting a cartoon of a person running, often carrying a hatchet. Lopeman has such a tattoo.