38 Years For Man Who Robbed Downers Grove Gas Station At Gunpoint

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A former Chicago man was sentenced to 38 years in prison for robbing a Downers Grove gas station and an Oakbrook Terrace convenience store at gunpoint in 2021.

Robert Howard, 31, pleaded guilty in July 2024, to the armed robberies, both of which took place on June 15, 2021.

Police were called to the Speedway at 5004 Fairview Ave., Downers Grove just before 2:45 p.m. for a report of an armed robbery. The employee reported that Howard came into the store, approached the register and showed that he had a gun under his shirt. He then pointed the gun at the employee and demanded cash from the register, saying, “Open the register, I’m gonna shoot you if you don’t give me the money," per a news release.

The employee could not open the cash register, so Howard stole two packs of cigarettes before fleeing on foot.

Around 3:38 p.m., prosecutors say Howard went to a 7-Eleven located on 14th Street in Oakbrook Terrace and filled out a job application before showing a gun. He then stole $400 from the cash register, per a news release.

At the time, Howard was out on parole in connection with a pair of armed robberies in Cook County.

“On parole for less than seven months, Mr. Howard has no business being in possession of a loaded handgun, let alone terrorizing two hard-working individuals at gunpoint to commit two armed robberies,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

Berlin added, “Mr. Howard’s repeated criminal behavior demonstrates his complete disregard for the rule of law and public safety. Judge Guerin’s thirty-eight-year sentence, however, sends the message that in DuPage County, we respect the law, and anyone found guilty of armed, violent criminal behavior will be held accountable."