Lake County sheriff and Mundelein police canines tracked down an armed man who allegedly stole a skid steer and threatened to shoot the machinery’s owner near Vernon Hills.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 3:15 a.m. Friday to the 24800 block of North Milwaukee Avenue in unincorporated Vernon Hills for a report of an armed robbery.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said deputies arrived and met with the victim, a 40-year-old man.
The man lives at the property and woke up when he heard his skid steer being driven off of the property.
Prosecutors said the victim got into his truck and drove approximately a half-mile after the skid steer.
The victim was confronted by the offender, later identified as Adam Frank, 41, of Lake Zurich.
Frank displayed a firearm and told the victim that if he called the police he would shoot the victim, Covelli said.
Frank exited the skid-steer and fled on foot.
Lake County Sheriff’s Canine Drako and Mundelein Police Department Canine Ranger both responded.
The duo tracked Frank for approximately a mile and located him hiding in a wetland area. He surrendered when the canines confronted him.
Frank was found to be in possession of a semi-automatic pistol, Covelli said. The gun was loaded.
Prosecutors said the victim positively identified Frank as the offender during a showup.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and Frank was charged with armed robbery, theft over $500 and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
A public defender for Frank said in court that his client owns a printing company and is a U.S. Army veteran.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak ordered Frank held on a $500,000 bond.
Frank remains held in the Lake County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
He is scheduled to appear in court again next Friday for a status of attorney hearing.