Wheeling Teen Charged In Armed Robbery At Woman's Apartment

PALATINE, IL — A Wheeling teen is accused of brandishing a handgun during an armed robbery Thursday at a Palatine woman's home, according to police. Juan D. Mercado-Ibarra, 18, of the 1200 block of Oboe Court, is charged with felony armed robbery in the incident, Palatine police said in a statement Friday.

Officers responded to the report of an armed robbery just before 5 p.m. Thursday, March 29, in the 1200 block of East Wyndham Court. The victim told police that she had invited an acquaintance to her apartment, and that woman brought along three men with her.

Once inside the apartment, Mercado-Ibarra allegedly pulled out a gun and threatened the victim, police said. He and his companions then allegedly took money, clothing, electronics and marijuana before fleeing, according to police.

Later Thursday, officers pulled over a vehicle carrying Mercado-Ibarra and another person near Lake Cook and McHenry roads in Buffalo Grove with the help of Wheeling and Buffalo Grove police, according to Palatine police. Both individuals were taken into custody without incident.

Palatine detectives continue to investigate, and police said more arrests are imminent.

Juan D. Mercado-Ibarra, 18 (Photo via Palatine Police Department)