Man On Federal Probation Burglarizes Cars In Orland Mall: Police

ORLAND PARK, IL — Police found a stolen purse and phone inside Chicago man's car after receiving two calls about the missing items from the Orland Square Mall parking lot Sunday afternoon.

According to police, a 21-year-old man who was on probation in connection to a federal crime was identified as the man who stole both the purse and phone. Erik C. Baez was on "supervised release" after being arrested by the U.S. Secret Service, federal officials said Tuesday.

Officers said they received a call at around 1:35 p.m. Sunday from a man who said Baez entered the man's car and stole a purse before taking off in a silver Volkswagen. A few minutes later, officers received another call from a man who said his phone was taken from his unlocked car.

Orland Park police were able to intercept the Volkswagen as it was heading east on 151st Street and stopped the car. Baez stepped out of the vehicle and police found the purse and phone inside the car.

Baez is facing two counts of burglary from a motor vehicle, a felony. He will have to pay $2,000 in D bonds in order to be released pending trial. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 27.