Armed Man Robbed AutoZone In Wheaton: Police

WHEATON, IL — A Chicago man was charged with armed robbery after police say he robbed an AutoZone in Wheaton at gunpoint.

Elliot Thomas, of the 3400 block of West Monroe, was charged with armed robbery with a firearm in connection with the Nov. 4 incident.

Police were called to the store at 809 Roosevelt Rd. for a report that a man armed with a gun was in the store. According to police, Thomas took a Duralast socket set and left the store without paying, which activated the store's security system.

An employee told police she asked Thomas to re-enter the store and that he eventually responded by saying, "you don't wanna know what I have in here."

He is accused of reaching into a crossbody bag and taking out a 9mm Stoeger STR-9 pistol equipped with a 15-round magazine.

Thomas is accused of fleeing in a 2002 Chevy Tahoe. He was stopped by police in Glen Ellyn, who reported finding the gun and socket set in his possession. Thomas was taken into custody and is being held at DuPage County Jail.

“It is alleged that Mr. Thomas not only stole merchandise from an AutoZone but then threatened an employee with a loaded weapon when she confronted him,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

He added, “This type of violent crime will not be tolerated in DuPage County and will be met with the full force of the law. We are all thankful that the employee was not physically hurt during this alleged incident."

Thomas is set to appear in court Dec. 2. If convicted, he faces up to 45 years in prison.