Javon M. Mills, 18, of Round Lake, (inset) was arrested and admitted to illegally possessing a loaded gun while officers were responding to a retail theft at Gurnee Mills on July 4. | Background Photo: Google Street View

Prosecutors say officers responding to a retail theft call inside Gurnee Mills mall in Gurnee arrested a Round Lake man fleeing the scene while armed with a loaded gun.

Javon M. Mills, 18, of Round Lake, was charged with four counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

The Gurnee Police Department responded on July 4 to Gurnee Mills, 6170 West Grand Avenue, for a report of a retail theft.

Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Daly said two offenders, including Mills, were reported to be fleeing the scene.

The two offenders were seen on surveillance video heading toward Portillo’s on the east side of the mall.

Daly said witnesses reported they spotted the offenders, including Mills, who was wearing a backpack, running north from Portillo’s.

Mills dropped the backpack and officers found it nearby, Daly said.

Mills admitted the backpack was his and a handgun, which did not have a serial number, was inside, Daly said.

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The gun was loaded with an extended magazine and had a round chambered.

Mills does not have a Firearm Owner’s Identification or a concealed carry license. He is also under the age of 21.

The mall also has signs saying that firearms are banned from being possessed inside, Daly said.

Prosecutors did not say whether the second offender was arrested.

Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak ordered Mills held on a $250,000 bond.

Mills, who remains held in the Lake County Jail, is scheduled to appear for a status of attorney hearing on July 14.