Ciustien Jerrish McDowell, of Calumet City, Illinois, has been charged after police allege he robbed a Speedway gas station clerk at knifepoint with what was later determined to be a hammer before fleeing with cash in the early morning hours of June 25.

According to court documents, officers responded around 3:01 a.m. to the Speedway in the 400 block of Ridge Road after a robbery was reported. The store clerk told police a man entered the store, selected hot dogs and a fountain drink, then followed him behind the counter. The suspect allegedly produced what appeared to be a hammer, forced the clerk to the ground, ordered him to open the cash register, and removed approximately $200 before leaving the store with both the cash and his drink. The clerk told police the suspect apologized during the robbery and said he “really needed the money.”

Court records state the clerk suffered pain, bruising and a large bump to his arm and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

According to court documents, investigators reviewed surveillance video and observed the suspect arrive and leave in a dark-colored Subaru Outback. Using license plate reader technology, police tracked the vehicle to the Elite Inn & Suites in South Holland, Illinois. Officers located the Subaru parked outside a motel room rented by McDowell about a hour and a half after the incident.

Police said McDowell exited the motel room after officers announced their presence. Investigators noted he matched the suspect’s appearance, including his distinctive bow-legged gait, clothing and shoes seen in the Speedway surveillance video. Officers also observed an object in his pocket. When asked about it, McDowell allegedly replied that it was his hammer. The hammer was recovered and turned over to Munster police.

Investigators also determined McDowell was still carrying the same fountain drink seen in the Speedway surveillance footage when he arrived at the motel, according to court records.

Charges filed June 25:

Armed Robbery, Level 3 Felony

Robbery Resulting in Bodily Injury, Level 3 Felony

Criminal Confinement While Armed with a Deadly Weapon, Level 3 Felony

Criminal Confinement with Moderate Bodily Injury, Level 4 Felony

Criminal Confinement, Level 6 Felony

McDowell remains in custody in Cook County awaiting extradition to Indiana.