Robbery Suspect Held Employees At Gunpoint Before Chase, Arrest: PD

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — A Chicago man has been charged in connection with an armed robbery of an AT&T store in Palos Heights earlier this week.

Anthony Williams, 45, fled the scene of an armed robbery April 9, then leading police on a multi-town chase before being taken into custody following a standoff with police in Orland Park. Williams and his car were turned over to Palos Heights police for investigation.

Williams was charged Wednesday with aggravated kidnapping and armed robbery, after police say he held the store's employees at gunpoint during the robbery.

Palos Heights police on April 9 were called to the AT&T Store, 11901 S. Harlem Ave. for a report of a hold up alarm in the back safe. Officers learned that a manager was able to see live feed video of two employees being held at gunpoint in the rear safe room.

As police arrived, they said the lone suspect, later identified as Williams, dropped a large bag of merchandise and cash and walked towards the front of the store. Using the butt end of a pistol, officials said Williams broke out a front window of the store and was able to escape in a white Chrysler sedan, fleeing southbound on Harlem Avenue. Police gave chase, but soon called it off due to safety concerns.

Surrounding towns were notified, and a short time later officers from the Orland Park Police Department located the suspect vehicle in the area of 153rd and Harlem Ave. Officers pursued the vehicle, which led them through Tinley Park and Orland Park, with the vehicle coming to a stop in the 14900 south block of LaGrange Road. Police said Williams then barricaded himself inside the car as police surrounded him. Williams was eventually taken into custody without incident.

"Orland Park Police did an outstanding job in locating and eventually safely securing the suspect," said Palos Heights Police Deputy Chief Mike Yott. "We are very grateful for their assistance and great work."

Proceeds and the gun from the robbery were recovered from Williams and the vehicle, police said.

Investigators worked with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to approve one count of armed robbery and one count of aggravated kidnapping, both felonies.

Williams was taken to the Bridgeview Courthouse for a pretrial release hearing.