Peotone Family Robbed At Gunpoint While Changing Flat Tire

WILL COUNTY, IL — Will County authorities are searching for three men they say robbed a Peotone family at gunpoint as they were changing a flat tire on the side of the road.

The incident happened Friday shortly after 9:30 p.m. on westbound E 12000N Road near South Kedzie Avenue, the Will County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

According to authorities, a Peotone man and his wife had stopped on the shoulder to change a flat tire on their vehicle when a large, dark-colored SUV traveling eastbound pulled alongside them. Police said three Black men inside the vehicle asked the couple if they needed assistance, but the victims told them they did not need help.

Following the exchange, police said two of the men inside the SUV exited the vehicle with guns, approached the couple and demanded their valuables. According to police, the couple gave the suspects a wallet and cash.

One of the suspects then opened the back passenger door of the victims' vehicle, where another woman and her infant were seated, police said. The suspect brandished his gun and demanded valuables from the woman, who gave him a diaper bag containing her wallet, according to authorities.

The suspects got back into their SUV and drove away following the robbery, police said.

Authorities on Saturday said residents should expect a heavy police presence in eastern townships, particularly in Grant Park, Peotone and surrounding areas as police continue to investigate the robbery.

Authorities are also asking for the public's help locating the suspects. Police said the men were over 6 feet tall. Two had beards and were wearing dark clothing and hats. Their SUV was possibly a Suburban or Tahoe and was described as large and dark-colored.

Anyone with information should contact the Will County Sheriff's Office at 815-727-8575.