A 25-year-old man has been arrested by Mt. Vernon police following an investigation into a report of an armed robbery.

Darius Gardet was arrested on charges of retail theft and obstructing identification, and on an outstanding Effingham County warrant for failure to appear on traffic a traffic case.

Around 6:15 p.m. Monday, Mt. Vernon police officers responded to a business in the 500 block of South 10th street for a report of an armed robbery.

Officers made contact with an employee of the business who alleged two black males entered the business; one displayed a firearm, and took several items from the business.

MVPD detectives responded to assist with the investigation that resulted in two suspects being identified and located by patrol officers a short time later. Additionally, items taken during the incident were also located.

As a result of the investigation; however, the detectives were able to determine the initial report of an armed robbery was not accurate and the business had not been robbed.

Due to the age of the reporting person, an arrest was not made but a charge for making a false police report has been sent to the Jefferson County State’s Attorney’s office for review.

Gardet was one of the subjects allegedly involved in the incident. He’s being held in the Jefferson County Jail with combined bail set at $6,500.