Knife-Wielding Gas Station Suspect Claimed He Had A Gun Before Frankfort Shelter-In-Place: Sheriff

FRANKFORT, IL — A 27-year-old man is in custody after an armed robbery at a Frankfort gas station on Sunday, according to the Will County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded at 7:48 p.m. Sunday to the Circle K gas station, 7654 W. Lincoln Highway, for a report of an armed robbery. The sheriff's office said officers learned a masked man entered the business, approached the front counter while brandishing a knife, stated that he had a gun, and demanded money from the cash register. The employee complied, and the robber fled the store on foot, running eastbound from the store, the sheriff's office said.

After deputies arrived, an individual came forward and told police he believed the suspect was a relative who had recently left their residence wearing a ski mask, the sheriff's office said. A reverse-911-alert was issued to nearby residents, advising them to shelter in place, as deputies began an active search for the suspect.

Deputies quickly located the man, later identified as Sufyan Farhan, age 27, hiding in the women’s restroom of a nearby McDonald’s, at 7215 W. Lincoln Highway, according to police.

Farhan was taken into custody without incident.

According to the Will County jail log, Farhan is facing charges of burglary, aggravated unlawful us of a weapon, and felon in possession of a weapon.

Deputies recovered a large amount of U.S. currency from the suspect, and he was positively identified by the complainant as the individual responsible for the robbery, the sheriff's office said. A search was then conducted by a K-9 deputy and partner Edo, which police say led to the recovery of the suspect’s jacket and knife in a field just west of the McDonald’s.

"Outstanding work by our deputies and K-9 team for their swift response, strong communication, and teamwork that led to the quick and safe apprehension of the suspect," the sheriff's office said. "This incident highlights the professionalism, coordination, and dedication of our personnel in keeping our community safe."