Lake County Sheriff Deputies have arrested a Zion man for an armed robbery that took place Thursday at a Beach Park fast food restaurant, authorities said.
Shane L. Lones, 41, of Zion, is accused of brandishing a knife at employees and stealing money from a restaurant cash register at about 7:35 p.m. Thursday, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said.
Sheriff’s deputies spoke to two uninjured victim employees of the restaurant following the robbery in the 38900 block of North Lewis Road.
Covelli said the preliminary investigation showed a light-skinned man, possibly in his late 20s to mid-30s, entered the restaurant wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black shoes, and a surgical mask covering his face, Covelli said.
While in the store, the offender pulled out a knife and demanded money, Covelli said.
After taking money from the cash register, the offender ran from the store on foot, Covelli said.
A sheriff’s canine responded to the scene and conducted a track, which ended in a nearby parking lot east of the restaurant, Covelli said.
Covelli said the man likely entered a vehicle in the parking lot.
Following the robbery, sheriff’s detectives reviewed area surveillance footage, which showed Lones entering a vehicle, Covelli said.
Utilizing traffic cameras in the area, Covelli said detectives obtained additional information about the vehicle, including its license plate.
Zion Police located Lones in a vehicle near his residence on Friday and took him into custody.
Detectives then obtained and executed search warrants for Lones’ vehicle and apartment, Covelli said, where clothing was recovered that Lones wore during the Beach Park armed robbery.
After reviewing the facts and circumstances of the case, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved one Class X felony count of Armed Robbery against Lones.
Prosecutors also filed a petition to detain Lones while awaiting trial.
Lones will remain in the Lake County Jail pending the outcome of his detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday, May 27.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the Zion Police Department for their assistance and members of the community for providing tips to assist in the investigation, Covelli said.