Crime & Safety
Accused Burglar Found Stuck Covered In Grease In Chimney At Restaurant: Authorities
The 24-year-old allegedly broke into a Waukegan restaurant and became trapped in its ventilation system overnight, officials said.
WAUKEGAN, IL — Firefighters rescued a 24-year-old man accused of trying to burglarize a Waukegan restaurant before becoming trapped overnight in the restaurant's ventilation system.
The restaurant's owners arrived around 7:35 a.m. on Aug. 16, found the burglar alarm activated and heard someone screaming for help inside, according to the Lake & McHenry County Scanner.
Officers found Cosme Cruz-Lopez stuck in the kitchen ventilation system above the grill at Liguez Brunch Restaurant, and firefighters pulled him from the rooftop vent using a rope before lowering him to the ground in a Stokes basket.
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Cruz-Lopez, who was covered in grease, told police he had entered the vent to hide, Fox 32 is reporting. He was taken to Vista Medical Center East for treatment and later arrested.
Cruz-Lopez has been charged with felony burglary. A judge has ordered him to remain detained as court proceedings move forward.
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He is next expected in court on September 22 for a preliminary hearing.
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