Armed Robber Uses Golf Club To Hold Up Arlington Heights 7-Eleven

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A Wheeling woman is accused of felony armed robbery with a deadly weapon — a golf club — following an incident early Friday morning at a 7-Eleven in Arlington Heights. Kathryn A. Orlowski, 39, of the 1500 block of Camden Court, was arrested in connection with the crime, according to Arlington Heights police.

Orlowski is due in court Saturday for a bond hearing.

At around 1:14 a.m. Friday, police said Orlowski entered the store near the intersection of Hintz and Buffalo Grove roads. She was dressed in dark clothing and used a black bandana to partially cover her face. She was wielding a golf club in a threatening manner, while demanding the clerk hand over money from the cash register. The clerk complied and was not physically harmed.

According to police, Orlowski then fled in a vehicle northbound on Buffalo Grove Road as the clerk called 911 to report the robbery. A quick suspect and vehicle description was compiled by Northwest Central Dispatch personnel and immediately broadcast to area patrol units.

The Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove police departments share the same radio channel and frequently patrol concurrent borders. An Arlington Heights police officer was patrolling Dundee Road as was a Buffalo Grove police officer. Police said the alert Buffalo Grove officer spotted a vehicle matching the broadcast description and began to follow.

At the same time, police said an Arlington Heights officer was traveling in the opposite direction, also noticed the car and was able to confirm it was being driven by a lone female. Together, officers effected a traffic stop and approached the suspect’s car. A golf bag and clubs were visible in the rear seat. The driver, later identified as Orlowski, made incriminating statements that allowed officers to detain her.

The store clerk was driven to where the car was stopped and made a positive identification. Orlowski was then taken to the Arlington Heights Police Department. Proceeds from the robbery were recovered during the booking process.

Detectives interviewed Orlowski and determined she was solely responsible for the armed robbery. The case facts were reviewed by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (Felony Review Unit). A criminal charge of armed robbery was approved.

Police said a "quick and collaborative police response" led to the arrest and charging of Orlowski.

"AHPD greatly appreciates the invaluable assistance rendered by Buffalo Grove officers which resulted in the swift apprehension of this criminal," Sergeant Mike Orlando said.