A Round Lake man, who was arrested on a warrant and also charged in a burglary, was captured after he escaped from the police station in Mundelein, prosecutors said.
James Way, 22, of Round Lake, was charged with escape from a peace officer, burglary, identity theft and unlawful possession of a credit or debit card.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Kelse Banks said a victim reported to police on January 19 that three of her cars had been burglarized.
The victim said the incident, which occurred on Barnhill Drive in Mundelein, happened overnight and a Discover credit card was missing.
The card was later used at a gas station.
Officers conducted a traffic stop several days later on a car and Way was the driver, Banks said.
A search of the car revealed two credit cards, one of which was the victim’s Discover card.
Video surveillance from the gas station where the card was used showed the suspect vehicle was the same as the one Way was found driving, Banks said.
Way stopped by the police department on Wednesday to pick up his driver’s license.
Officers took Way into custody on an active warrant and escorted him to an interview room.
An officer left the room to get Way’s license. Way then fled the police department and was seen running out of the building, Banks said.
Officers chased him and took him back into custody.
Way later admitted to committing the burglaries and using the stolen credit card.
Banks said the man also identified himself in the surveillance footage from the gas station.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak ordered Way held on a $150,000 bond.
Way remains held in the Lake County Jail and would need to post $15,000 cash in order to be released.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 15.