Dolton Man Charged Again After Highland Macy’s Theft
Jaylen N. Peck, 29, of Dolton, Illinois, has been charged in Lake County after investigators say he snatched a $7,500 gold ring from Macy’s at Highland Grove Mall in Highland and fled in a black SUV later tied to other thefts in Northwest Indiana. Court filings show Peck already faces multiple pending theft and identity deception cases.
According to court documents, the incident happened on August 26, 2025. A man wearing black pants, a blue shirt, and an orange hat with a beard entered Macy’s around 3:06 p.m. and went straight to the jewelry department. An employee began showing him rings, but he left the store about 20 minutes later without making a purchase.
At 3:28 p.m., the man returned to the jewelry counter. While he was holding one ring that had been handed to him, the employee opened a box containing another. The man then grabbed the ring out of the box and took off running exiting the store, bypassing all final points of purchase without the intent to purchase with the above listed rings, the affidavit states.
Investigators said the stolen item was a 10k gold ring worth $7,500. Video surveillance showed the suspect running to a black Nissan Rogue, which exited the mall lot and was later tracked northbound on Indianapolis Boulevard.
A license-plate reader scan matched the Rogue to an Illinois plate registered to a woman in Chicago Heights, who police said was very uncooperative when contacted.
On September 3, 2025, the same Rogue was recorded reentering Indiana. Later that day, another jewelry theft was reported at JCPenney in Hobart, also involving the same Nissan. Store managers familiar with Peck identified him from still images, confirming the connection.
By September 6, 2025, investigators had enough evidence to identify the suspect in the Highland Macy’s theft as Jaylen N. Peck, who has a history of contact with retail theft investigations at other Illinois stores.
Charges filed September 27, 2025:
• Theft — Level 6 Felony (value between $750 & $50,000)
• Theft — Class A Misdemeanor
Peck remains lodged in the Lake County Jail as of September 4, 2025 for other pending charges.
Other pending cases in Indiana:
Charges filed September 12, 2025:
• Identity Deception — Level 6 Felony
Charges filed September 4, 2025:
• Theft — Level 6 Felony (value between $750 & $50,000)
Charges filed June 17, 2025:
• Theft — Level 6 Felony (value between $750 & $50,000)
Charges filed January 22, 2022:
• Theft — Level 6 Felony (value between $750 & $50,000)
