Armed Robbers That Hit Numerous Businesses Since October Arrested
Beginning in October of 2019, numerous Armed Robberies occurred at gas stations in Will County and Northwest Indiana, Chief Scott Pieritz of the Crete Police Department said in a release Friday. The offenders utilized stolen vehicles with license plates often obstructed. The offenders wore dark clothing, masks, and gloves while committing these crimes. During these robberies, the offenders took cigarettes and currency.
The Village of Crete had several armed robberies at their Speedway (112o Main St) and Circle K (1400 E. Steger Rd.) gas stations during this time. The offenders in these crimes matched the description of the other armed robberies occurring in the area. Crete Detectives contacted area police departments and federal agencies to assist in these investigations. Crete Detectives spent countless hours investigating and working to apprehend and prosecute these offenders. The ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) provided resources and information in support of the investigations, Pieritz said.
On February 13, 2020 at approximately 6:00 am The Crete Speedway Gas Station was robbed again. The offenders utilized a dark colored Dodge Caravan with license plates obstructed. The offenders wore dark clothing, masks, and gloves, taking cigarettes and currency.
Through investigation techniques and “good old fashion police work,” enough evidence was gathered to obtain a search warrant at the suspect’s residence. On February 13, 2020 a search warrant was conducted on a residence in Lynwood, IL by Crete Police Department, ATF, Will County Gang Unit, and Lynwood Police Department. Multiple suspects were detained. The search revealed (5) handguns, drugs, (2) stolen vehicles (one being a Dodge Caravan used in Crete’s robbery), and other items of evidentiary value. Cordairo Mitchell, 30, Lynwood, was arrested and charged with Armed Habitual Felon (Special Class X Felony) and (2) counts of Armed Robbery (Class X felony- 2 Crete Speedway Robberies). Cordairo was transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility awaiting a bond hearing. Additional charges against Cordairo and other individuals are pending at this time, pending review of additional evidence, Pieritz stated.
Pieritz thanked all departments and officers who assisted in the apprehension of this dangerous criminal including; The ATF, Will County State’s Attorney Office, Will County Gang Unit, and Lynwood Police Department.
