Press Release- Arrest Made in Felony Retail Theft
Lindenhurst, Illinois- On December 20, 2023 at approximately 3:15 p.m., Lindenhurst police officers were called to the Walgreens, 399 S. Route 45, Lindenhurst, IL, for a report of a theft in progress. Staff from Walgreen’s observed two (2) male black subjects acting suspiciously in the store, while placing multiple items in basket in a hasty manner. Staff also identified a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot, a blue Chevy SUV, driving around the store multiple times.
Lindenhurst police officers arrived on scene and made contact with the blue Chevy SUV, which was parked in front of the store. Almost immediately following the contact, a male black subject exited the store, carrying a basket of proceeds from the Walgreens. Upon seeing the Lindenhurst officer in the parking lot, the male subject fled on foot, carrying the stolen proceeds. The subject jumped over a metal guardrail in the rear of the parking lot, and fell approximately 15 feet into a swampy, wetland area. The blue Chevy SUV also fled the area. A perimeter was established and additional resources responded to the scene.
Lake County Sheriff’s Police Department responded with a canine unit and the subject was located in the wetland area on Stearns School Road, east of Route 45, shortly after the deployment. The subject was taken into custody without incident.
The case was reviewed with the Lake County States Attorney’s Office and the following criminal charges were approved: one (1) count Retail Theft – Class 3 Felony; one (1) count Resisting Arrest of a Peace Officer – Class A Misdemeanor. The 25-year-old offender, Shaun B. Thomas, 4300 Blk of Malden Lane, Beach Grove, Indiana, was processed at the Lindenhurst Police Department. The next court date is scheduled for January 5, 2024 in Waukegan.
Lindenhurst Police Chief Thomas Jones said, “This is yet another example of great teamwork. Upon arrival at the Walgreens, Lindenhurst police officers requested immediate assistance from our law enforcement partners. Through this collaborative effort, a perimeter was established, a canine team was requested, and pertinent evidence was located near the scene and subsequently collected.” Chief Jones further stated, “Through additional interviews and analysis, we were able to determine that the vehicle used in this incident was registered in Chicago and we were able to identify the driver, also from Chicago. The teamwork displayed by law enforcement, in cooperation with the State’s Attorney’s Office, allowed for a positive resolution to this investigation.”
Staff Contact:
Thomas C. Jones, Chief of Police
847-356-5400
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