A Zion man was charged after he allegedly battered a female employee during a robbery at a Dunkin’ Donuts in Wadsworth Monday morning.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 9:45 a.m. Monday to the Dunkin’, 16145 West Route 173 in Wadsworth, for a report of a robbery.
A preliminary investigation shows Jaleel C. Hawkins, 20, of the 3900 block of Foxglove Drive in Zion, entered the establishment and forcefully took money from the victim and her register, authorities said.
Lake County Sheriff Spokesman Sgt. Christopher Covelli said that the 22-year-old female employee attempted to defend the store and Hawkins struck her in the head before fleeing.
The woman did not require medical attention.
Sheriff’s deputies were able to obtain a vehicle description of Hawkins’ vehicle and issued a regional broadcast to other area law enforcement agencies, Covelli said.
Waukegan police officers and sheriff’s warrants deputies located Hawkins’ vehicle in the 1500 block of Sunset Avenue in Waukegan.
Hawkins was taken into custody without incident inside of a store.
Officers recovered a significant amount of the money stolen during the robbery and a firearm in Hawkins’ vehicle.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved a Class 2 felony robbery charge against Hawkins. Additional charges are pending.
Hawkins was released from the Lake County Jail after posting 10% of his $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.