Teens Charged in Dunkin Donuts Robbery, 1 Linked to Second Robbery: Prosecutor

Photo: Alexander Harris, 18, and Darrius McLendon, 19, both of Chicago, were charged with robbing a doughnut shop in Chicago Ridge on Jan. 5. | Cook County Sheriff

Two Chicago teens had a date in bond court on Thursday after both were charged with robbing a Chicago Ridge Dunkin Donuts, during which a shot was fired earlier this week.

One of the teens was also charged in another armed robbery that occurred Dec. 29 in a parking lot next door to the doughnut shop.

Darrius McLendon, 19, of the 7000 block of South Normal, Chicago, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a charge of armed robbery. His 18-year-old friend, Alexander Harris, of the 1100 block of East 47th St., Chicago, was charged with armed robbery and discharging a firearm.

According to the charges, Harris went into Dunkin Donuts, 6408 W. 95th St., Chicago Ridge, around 3:06 p.m. Jan. 5. McLendon waited in the car. Harris pulled out a gun and demanded money from an employee working at the counter.

• Also on Patch: Chicago Teens Questioned in Dunkin Donuts Robbery

After grabbing the loot, Harris fired off a round into the ceiling and ran outside where McLendon was waiting. Oak Lawn police stopped a 2004 Pontiac G6 driven by McLendon about ten minutes later at 87th Street and Central Avenue, according to a Chicago Ridge police news release.

Officers recovered a black, semi-automatic handgun in the car and $500 cash. Prosecutors said the teens had already divvied up the cash between them.

Several witnesses identified the teens as being involved in the robbery during a show up, police and prosecutors said.

Harris and McLendon allegedly made verbal and written statements to Chicago Ridge police admitting to the robbery. The teens are believed to be involved in other local robberies in the area. The investigation in those police departments is ongoing.

Harris was also charged with robbing a woman at Party City, 6440 W. 95th St., Chicago Ridge. According to those charges, Harris walked up to the woman’s car and tapped on her window with the tip of his handgun. He demanded her wallet and iPhone.

Prosecutors said that security cameras aimed on the Party City parking lot captured the 18-year-old approaching the car on video. Harris allegedly made statements admitting to the robbery.

The assistant public defender said that Harris is currently employed as a glass blower.

• Also on Patch: Suspects in Custody After Chicago Ridge Dunkin’ Donuts Robbery

In addition to the two armed robbery charges, Harris has a pending misdemeanor case out of Chicago for criminal damage to property. Harris claimed in court that he was the victim in the misdemeanor charge.

McLendon is a graduate of Kenwood Academy in Chicago, “which as you know is one of the finest high schools in the city. He lives with his mother,” the assistant public defender told the judge.

“I feel sorry your mother,” Judge Felice told the defendant.

Prosecutors said that McLendon has no prior criminal record. His bail set at $250,000.

The judge set Harris’s bail for the Dec. 29 robbery at $250,000, and $750,000 for the Dunkin Donuts robbery.

Both teens were ordered to stay away from Dunkin Donuts and not contact witnesses or employees. They are also to surrender any firearms should they bond out.

The teens’ next court date is Feb. 3 in Bridgeview.