Chicago Man Faces Robbery Charge After Theft Incident at Target in Munster
De Andre Chavez Willis, 37, of Chicago, is facing a felony charge after an alleged theft incident at a Target store in Munster that police say escalated into a robbery.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Munster Police were called to the Target store in the 8000 block of Calumet Avenue at approximately 5:48 p.m. on December 20, 2025, after a reported battery involving a loss prevention employee. The employee told police she observed a man she recognized as a repeat shoplifter switching clearance price tags onto higher-priced clothing items while inside the store. She reported the man scanned lower-priced barcodes at a self-checkout register and completed a transaction totaling $20.87 for merchandise later valued at approximately $68.49.
Court documents state the employee attempted to stop the man as he exited the store and identified herself as Target security. The affidavit alleges the man initially appeared compliant before stating, “I’m not coming back with you,” and forcefully shoving her into an anti-theft gate positioned near the store’s exit. The employee reported she was not physically injured but felt shaken by the incident.
Police reported reviewing store surveillance video that allegedly shows the man shoving the employee and fleeing the store with unpaid merchandise before entering a dark-colored SUV. Investigators also reviewed intersection camera footage and license plate reader data that allegedly showed the vehicle driving recklessly, disregarding traffic control devices, and traveling northbound on Calumet Avenue toward Interstate 80/94 before crossing into Illinois.
Investigators later identified the vehicle as a 2017 Cadillac SUV registered to Willis through Illinois motor vehicle records. The affidavit also states that Target transaction records showed a credit card previously used by a customer identified as Deandre C. Willis during earlier visits to the same store.
A photographic lineup was later presented to the loss prevention employee, who positively identified Willis as the individual involved in the incident. Investigators also reported speaking with Willis by phone. During that conversation, Willis denied stealing merchandise and denied pushing anyone, while acknowledging he had been at the Munster Target around the time of the incident.
Willis was taken into custody overnight with the assistance of Merrillville and Lake County Police at a motel. Lodged in the Lake County Jail on January 3,2026.
Charges filed December 30,2025:
• Robbery – Level 5 Felony
• Theft – Class A Misdemeanor
