Chicago Man, 27, Arrested In Attempted Robbery, Pistol-Whipping At New Lenox AT&T Store: NLPD

NEW LENOX, IL — New Lenox police on Thursday arrested a 27-year-old Chicago man in connection with an attempted armed robbery at an AT&T store earlier in the week.

At around 5:30 p.m. Sept. 1, an employee at the store at 701 E. Lincoln Highway told police they were taken into a back room and hit over the head with a handgun by two men wearing masks, gloves and construction clothing. The men demanded that the employee open the safe.

The safe had several security measures in place preventing it from being opened, police said. The suspects became frustrated and fled the store. Nothing was reported stolen, and the employee refused medical treatment, police said.

New Lenox police were able to obtain video footage of the suspect's vehicle, and identify a registered owner. Police said the car was found at a residence in Chicago, where a man matching the description of one of the suspects was seen leaving the home.

The man—identified as Virgil Holland—was also wearing the same pants and boots as the suspect seen in the video, police said. He was taken into custody and taken to the New Lenox Police Department for questioning on Tuesday, police said.

Additional evidence linked Holland to the incident, police said. A few hours prior to the incident, Holland was seen on video purchasing white latex gloves that matched those worn by the suspects seen in the video, police said.

A warrant for Holland's arrest was issued on Thursday. Charges include attempted armed robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, aggravated unlawful restraint and aggravated battery. All are felony charges. Holland was taken to the Will County Jail to await a pre-trial detention hearing. An investigation into the second suspect involved is ongoing, police said.

"This is another example of a career criminal continuing to commit acts of violence, while roaming the streets, due to weak Illinois criminal justice legislation and adjudication processes," said Mayor Tim Baldermann. "Thankfully, this time he will be prosecuted in Will County."