Arrest Made In Oak Lawn, Worth Restaurant Burglaries Targeting Video Gaming Machines

OAK LAWN, IL—A Chicago man is accused of taking part in several burglaries at restaurants where video gaming terminals were targets, Oak Lawn police said. Juelz Johnson, 18, is facing two felony burglary charges in Oak Lawn, and a third charge in Worth for a similar burglary.

In the early morning hours of Jan. 8, Oak Lawn officers responded to a burglar alarm at La Cocina De Mama Restaurant, 5721 W. 95th St. Officers discovered a burglary in progress. An estimated eight to ten people fled the scene in numerous vehicles.

A police chase ensued, but the alleged burglars were able to make good on their escape. Back at La Cocina, police said the crew had targeted the video gaming terminals inside the restaurant. Cash was taken, and various gaming machines had been damaged.

A few weeks later, on Feb. 5, assorted gaming machines were discovered damaged at Hashtag 95, 6260 W. 95th St. Police were able to discern from security video that four people had entered the restaurant, where they ransacked the video gaming terminals and stole cash, leaving behind a mess.

Oak Lawn police arrested Johnson last Friday in connection with the ongoing investigations, according to a news release. During the same period, Worth police also charged Johnson with two similar burglaries in their town.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved felony charges for the burglaries that occurred in Oak Lawn and Worth.

The burglary investigations remain ongoing.

“Oak Lawn Police Department extends its appreciation to our neighboring law enforcement partners for their cooperation and assistance, which played a key role in securing these charges,” police said in a statement.