Armed Robber Steals Money, Lotto Tickets From Speedway: Batavia PD

BATAVIA, IL — An armed robber stole money and lottery tickets from a Speedway gas station early Monday morning, Batavia police said on Tuesday.

Officers were dispatched at 1:37 a.m. to the gas station at 1495 E. Wilson St. for a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred. Upon arrival, police spoke to the victim — the store clerk — who said the robbery occurred a few minutes before she called 911.

The clerk told police that the suspect entered the business, showed a handgun and demanded money and lottery tickets before fleeing, according to a news release. The suspect stole about $300 in cash, Detective Sergeant Gary LaBarbera told Patch. He said he did not have specific information on how many lottery tickets were stolen.

The clerk described the robber as a man, about 40 years old, wearing a black parka-style coat, a black ski mask and gloves.

The suspect was last seen walking westbound from the area, police said.

Kane County sheriff's deputies also responded to assist with the search, including to deploy a drone and K-9. Neither deputies nor police located the man.

No one was injured during the robbery; the suspect didn't harm the store clerk, officials said. The clerk was evaluated by paramedics for the traumatic experience.

The incident remains under investigation. Police are asking anyone with information, including eyewitness accounts or surveillance video, to contact Batavia police's investigations division at 630-454-2500.

Just a few days before the Batavia lottery ticket robbery, a Wheaton man — 37-year-old Yonas Beyene — was arrested and charged with felonies of continuing financial crimes enterprise, burglary and retail theft in connection to lottery ticket thefts, Patch reported. An investigation revealed he stole lottery tickets in stores in Elmhurst, Addison, Winfield, Carol Stream, Hanover Park, Oakbrook Terrace and Lombard.

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