Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies responded about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 11, 2017 to a report of an armed robbery at the Deer Park AT&T Store, 21690 W Long Grove Road.
Witnesses reported during the robbery that two subjects wearing ski masks entered the AT&T store, with one of the robbers armed with a firearm. The employees were forced to place over 100 electronic devices, including cell phones and tablets, into bags, which were then taken by the offenders. The offenders fled in a vehicle described as a old, beater silver van and witnesses were able to provide a description. Lake County Sheriff’s Office Telecommunicators broadcasted the information to area law enforcement agencies.
Illinois State Troopers and Cook County Sheriff’s Police Officers located the offending vehicle and tracked the vehicle as it traveled southbound on Route 53, eastbound on I-90, and southbound on Arlington Heights Road. The vehicle stopped by the elk pasture of Busse Woods near Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road at about 10:45 a.m.
Hyunda Sonata, suspect’s vehicle in Deer Park armed robbery, stopped by police at Higgins Road (Route 72) and Route 53.
There is no confirmation by police, but the suspects might have made a vehicle switch, because the suspects were eventually captured near Route 53/I-290 and Higgins Road (Route 72) at a scene that involved a Hyundai Sonata that was off the shoulder of the East Frontage Road in mud and grass.
A driver of a Hyundai Sonata lost control of the Hyundai at the northwest corner of Higgins Road and East Frontage Road just north of Higgins Road.
At least one of the suspects was held at gunpoint after a short foot pursuit. Witnesses in traffic reported seeing police officers with their guns drawn. A witness also reported seeing one of the suspects attempting to try to hide behind the large Village of Schaumburg sign on the viaduct embankment, just west of Route 53/I-290. The older model van did not appear to be at the scene — neither at Route 53/I-290 and Higgins Road nor at the Busse Wood elk pasture. Currently it is unknown, outside law enforcement, whether the two offenders made a vehicle switch to an empty Hyundai Sonata, or whether a third getaway driver in the Sonata was involved; or whether some other scenario occurred.
A K-9 was also on the scene searching for suspects and/or evidence.
The Lake County Sheriff’s office reports that the suspects were taken into custody by Illinois State Police Troopers, Cook County Sheriff’s Police, and other local Cook County law enforcement agencies. Several Lake County deputies were also on the scene, and Schaumburg police and Elk Grove Village police were also assisting on the scene. A total of about 25-30 police vehicles were on the scene. Some were staged on the west side of Route 53/I-290.
One of the suspects was transferred to a Lake County Sheriff’s vehicle about 11:53 a.m.
The offenders were subsequently transported to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. Lake County Sheriff’s Detectives recovered all of the stolen robbery proceeds and the firearm allegedly used in the robbery.
Antuan J. Blackman, 34, of the 2700 block of West Flournoy Street, Chicago
Charged with: Armed Robbery (Class X Felony), Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 3 Felony). Blackman remains held at the Lake County Jail on $500,000.00 bail. He is due in court on November 6, 2017 at 1:30PM in courtroom C-120.
Mark. D. Easley, 32, of the 500 block of Roberts Drive, Glenwood
Charged with: Armed Robbery (Class X Felony) Easley remains held at the Lake County Jail on $500,000.00 bail. He is due in court on November 6, 2017 at 1:30PM in courtroom C-120.
Sheriff Curran reminds the public the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
ATT store robbery proceeds.
Antuan Blackman AT&T store robbery suspect.
Mark Easley, AT&T armed robbery suspect.
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K-9 search at Higgins Road and Route 53 after armed robbery a Deer Park AT&T store.
K-9 search at Higgins Road and Route 53 after armed robbery a Deer Park AT&T store.
Police activity at Higgins Road and Route 53 after an armed robbery in Deer Park in Lake County.