Police Probe Armed Robberies In Gages Lake, Third Lake

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information following armed robberies in recent days at businesses in Gages Lake and Third Lake. The first armed robbery was reported early Sunday at the Thornton’s Gas Station, 34225 N. Route 45 in Third Lake, and the second happened Tuesday evening at Gages Lake Food and Liquor, 18495 W. Old Gages Lake Road in Third Lake, according to the sheriff’s office news release. Authorities believe the same man is responsible for both robberies.

During the Third Lake robbery, a clerk told police a man armed with a handgun entered the store at about 2:25 a.m. Sunday and demanded money from the register.

The armed robber then fled and was last seen running out the front door of the store, according to the news release.

The second armed robbery occurred at about 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday at Gages Lake Food and Liquor, 18495 W. Old Gages Lake Road in Third Lake, according to the news release. When police arrived, “they met with the clerk who told them a similar account,” authorities said.

No one was injured in either robbery.

Surveillance footage was recovered in both of the robberies and the description provided for the suspect was the same. The suspect is described as a black male with thin to medium build. He is in his mid 20s and is between 5-feet 9-inches tall and 6-feet tall.\

"At this time, Lake County Sheriff’s Detectives believe the same suspect is responsible for both of these crimes,” police said.

Anyone with information on these armed robberies is requested to call the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, 847-377-4245. Callers may remain anonymous.

PHOTO VIA THE LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE