A convicted felon, who was wanted for multiple retail thefts in Lake County, was ordered held on a $400,000 bond after police found him with a gun in Waukegan.
Randy O. Capers, 35, of Waukegan, was charged with felon in possession of a weapon, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Manuel Mandujano said officers were called on March 28 for a call of an unwanted person.
They arrived at the Roberts Roost Motel, located at 1705 North Sheridan Road.
Officers learned that Capers was staying at the motel and arrested him for outstanding warrants.
Court records show Capers was wanted for a retail theft that occurred on October 26 at the Menards in Gurnee.
He was also wanted for a retail theft that occurred on November 18 at the Target in Lake Bluff.
After taking Capers into custody for his arrest, officers noticed a guest in his motel room who appeared sick.
Officers entered the room to see if she needed medical assistance and they noticed a 9mm handgun on a desk, Mandujano said.
It was determined the gun was stolen. Officers searched Capers at the police department and found heroin in his sock.
Mandujano said that Capers told officers he knew there was a gun in the room and that he had previously touched it.
Capers is a convicted felon for a prior retail theft. He has no Firearm Owners Identification card or concealed carry license, Mandujano said.
Following Capers’ arrest, officers determined he was also a suspect in a third retail theft, which occurred at the Target in Waukegan on March 4.
Mandujano said a microwave oven and a Dyson vacuum, which totaled over $600, were stolen in that incident.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak ordered Capers held on a $400,000 bond.
Capers remains held in the Lake County Jail and would need to post $40,000 cash in order to be released.