Beer Burglar Leaves Blood Trail in Viking Lodge: Prosecutor

TINLEY PARK, IL -- A Tinley Park man was arrested after he was identified as the culprit in a beer burglary that took place Jan. 8, prosecutors.

Ronald Varak, 44, appeared before Cook County Judge Donald Havis on a burglary charge. According to the charges, Varak shattered the door at the Harald Viking Lodge, 6730 175th St,. Tinley Park. Police said Varak stole a six-pack of beer and left the premises.

The prosecutor said police found a blood trail inside the lodge. A cash register showed signs of tampering and blood was found on the keys. Varak allegedly told police he has no memory of breaking into the lodge and “does things” while intoxicated.

Varak has past convictions for burglary, robbery and driving on a revoked license, for which he served time in the Illinois Department of Corrections, the prosecutor said.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Varak works doing odd jobs for his landlord and takes Zoloft. Bail was set at $50,000.

The judge ordered Varak to stay away from the Viking Lodge. Varak is due back in court May 17 in Bridgeview. The prosecutor also requested that Varak submit a DNA buccal swab.