Charges have been filed against the man who allegedly robbed a gas station in Vernon Hills and led police on a miles-long pursuit in a box truck last week.
Christopher J. Gordon, 35, of 609 East Elk Grove Boulevard in Elk Grove Village, was charged with aggravated robbery, robbery, theft and multiple traffic offenses including aggravated fleeing/eluding a police officer.
Police responded on March 2 at 5 p.m. to a robbery at the Peacock Market Place and Car Wash, 860 South Milwaukee Avenue in Vernon Hills. An employee told police that during the robbery the suspect placed his hand in his pocket as if he had a weapon. He demanded money and cigarettes. The employee complied and placed the money in a plastic bag provided by the suspect.
Police learned that Gordon had driven away from the scene in white box truck. A Vernon Hills police officer saw the truck westbound on Route 45 near Woodlands Parkway and tried to stop the vehicle. Gordon did not stop and police pursued him. The chase continued westbound on Route 45, southbound Route 83 and southbound on Arlington Heights Road. Police officers called off the pursuit at Arlington Heights Road & Hintz Road.
An Illinois State Police Trooper later saw the truck in Des Plaines and tried to stop it. Gordan got out of the truck and was arrested after attempting to run away. The plastic bag with the money was found near the suspect but a weapon was not recovered, police said.
Gordon is currently being held in the Lake County Jail on a $150,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 21.