New Lenox Bar, Mokena Liquor Store Hit In Back-To-Back Smash-And-Grabs: Police

NEW LENOX, IL — A New Lenox bar was hit in a smash-and-grab burglary in the early morning hours July 4, and minutes later, a Mokena liquor store was also targeted, police said.

New Lenox police were called to JBD White Horse Inn, 348 W. Maple St., for a report of a triggered alarm just before 4 a.m. Police found a shattered glass door. Inside, they found the bar ransacked, and cash register drawers removed, according to reports. The suspects had fled before police arrived.

Video showed two male suspects wearing face coverings and gloves using a crowbar to shatter the door, according to police reports. The drawers taken contained less than $1,000, according to reports.

Police believe the same suspects then targeted The Cave Wine & Spirits liquor store, 18700 Wolf Rd. Mokena police responded to the scene and saw a dark-colored, possibly blue, Ford SUV leaving the business. Police said 4-6 subjects in dark-colored clothing were also seen running from the business and getting into the suspect vehicle.

The vehicle turned onto northbound Lagrange Road, and then onto I-80 eastbound, at which point Mokena police stopped pursuit.

Liquor valued at approximately $4,000 was stolen from the store, police said.