Authorities say multiple suspects attempted to rob a victim and then one of the suspects, who was armed with a gun, shot the victim as he tried to flee the scene in Fox Lake.
The Fox Lake Police Department said they were notified around 7 p.m. last Thursday regarding an armed robbery and shooting that occurred in the village.
Fox Lake Police Department Sgt. Rick Howell said the victim, an 18-year-old Round Lake man, had already left the area and was being treated at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
A preliminary investigation showed that the victim had been in the area of the 100 block of Devlin Road selling cannabis and THC vapes, Howell said.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Colleen McConnell said the victim had been communicating with someone named “Jay” through Telegram.
The victim and Jay agreed to meet at the Timber Oaks apartment complex for the sale of the items.
The victim arrived and parked in a parking spot before being approached by three male suspects.
McConnell said the victim did not recognize any of the people.
One of the offenders, later identified as Thomas J. Holt, 16, of Fox Lake, knocked on the victim’s window and asked if he had the THC vape.
The victim asked Holt if he had the money and Holt then brandished a firearm, McConnell said.
McConnell said Holt pointed the gun at the victim’s head and attempted to steal the products and money from the victim.
The three suspects had surrounded the car and the victim refused to hand over the products.
The victim put the car into drive and Holt told the man to get out of the car and put his hands behind his head, McConnell said.
Holt got into the car and the victim slammed on the accelerator, leading Holt to get out of the car.
McConnell said Holt continued yelling at the victim and then fired a shot that struck the victim in the shoulder.
The suspects fled the area on foot and the victim left the area to obtain medical treatment prior to contacting the police.
The victim’s father transported him to the hospital. McConnell said it was luckily a through-and-through gunshot wound.
The victim later found the shooter’s social media account and informed investigators.
Holt was identified as the gunman and positively identified by the victim following the investigation.
He was arrested around 10:30 a.m. on Monday after turning himself in to the police department.
McConnell said Holt was interviewed and told investigators he was with friends and wanted to buy weed.
Holt reported that he brings his gun with him when he purchases weed.
He also admitted to investigators committing the robbing and shooting and said he thought the victim would be easy to rob because he was a “small-time plug,” McConnell said.
Holt also said he “just let one off,” referring to firing the gun at the victim, and said he shot at the victim to scare him, according to McConnell.
McConnell said the statements Holt made to investigators were “incredibly concerning” and that the boy seems to think he is in “Grand Theft Auto.”
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and approved charges of aggravated battery with a firearm, armed robbery discharging a firearm and reckless discharge of a firearm.
Holt was transported to Robert W. Depke Juvenile Complex Center in Vernon Hills.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain him pending trial.
Holt, a juvenile, is being charged as an adult. He appeared for a First Appearance Court hearing on Tuesday followed by a detention hearing.
Lake County Judge Michael Nerheim granted the petition and remanded Holt to juvenile custody.
The judge said the offense was as serious as it gets for someone Holt’s age and that no conditions of release could ensure the community’s safety.
Holt is set to appear in court again on December 18 for a preliminary hearing.