Blue Island Man Accused Of Burglarizing Palos Heights Tobacco Shop

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — A Blue Island man is accused of burglarizing a tobacco shop last month in Palos Heights. Richard Hill, 44, is facing a felony burglary charge.

Around 11:30 p.m. May 18, Palos Heights police said an observant resident heard glass break and saw a man entering the Palos Tobacco, after it was closed. The man was reportedly seen fleeing in a silver truck heading eastbound on 135th Street.

Palos Heights police released a description of the vehicle over the radio to neighboring towns. A short time later, Crestwood police attempted to stop the suspicious vehicle but officers said it would not pull over. Robbins police later recovered the truck after it crashed in the 13500 block of South Kedzie Avenue.

A search warrant was completed on the vehicle and a video was obtained from Palos Tobacco. The suspect was identified as Hill, based on unique features, a cell phone left in the vehicle, and vehicle registration in Hill’s name, police said.

Police said the store's security video captured the suspect, later identified as Hill, attempting to take the cash register but it was hidden by the business owner. Hill left with two cases of alcohol instead. Phone records were obtained that placed Hill’s phone in Palos Heights, according to police. The store is said to have been burglarized before.

On Thursday, Palos Heights investigators were informed by Calumet Park police that Hill was presently being interviewed by their officers, police said. Hill was detained on suspicion of burglary.

Police said Hill denied any involvement or knowledge of the burglary. The Cook State’s Attorney’s Office approved a felony complaint for burglary.