OAK LAWN, IL—A 31-year-old Chicago man is accused of breaking into a tobacco store early Wednesday morning and removing several items, including a live canary in a cage. Andre Starkes appeared for a pre-detention hearing Thursday on felony charges of burglary and tampering with a security system. Starkes also faces multiple misdemeanor charges.
Around 3 a.m. Oak Lawn police responded to a burglary in progress at Star One Tobacco, 4741 W. 103rd St. The store owner called 911 when he noticed a man inside the closed business via live security cameral.
Officers arrived and located a broken window at the rear of the business. The store was cleared, and no one was found inside. A description of the man, later identified as Starkes, was broadcast to additional units who began searching the surrounding area.
Moments later, police said Starkes was found a block away and was positively identified by the store manager. Starkes was also said to be found in possession of numerous items taken from the closed business and had damaged the store's security alarm system.
Starkes had also apparently removed several items that he left in front of the store, including a live green and yellow canary in a cage. At the time, temperatures were below 50 degrees, which can be lethal for a canary if exposed to cold for an extended period, police said. The canary survived the ordeal.
Officers also learned that Starkes had broken a window at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home at 103rd and Cicero, according to a police news release. Starkes was additionally charged with multiple misdemeanors, including animal cruelty and criminal damage to property related to the damage at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home.
Starkes was ordered detained in Cook County Jail following a hearing at the Bridgeview Courthouse.
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