Lake Barrington man sentenced to 4 years in prison for attempted armed robbery

A Lake Barrington man who attempted to rob an employee and a customer at a Palatine drugstore at knife point last May pleaded guilty to the charges Thursday in Rolling Meadows.

Justin K. Poly expressed remorse during a hearing before Cook County Judge Thomas Fecarotta, who sentenced the 22-year-old to four years in prison in exchange for Poly’s guilty plea.

“I’m truly sorry,” said Poly. “I made a terrible mistake.”

“You’re quite fortunate that someone in that store didn’t have a bigger weapon than you,” Fecarotta said after accepting Poly’s plea and awarding him credit for the 78 days he has spent in custody since his arrest.

Poly entered the Walgreens store on Northwest Highway carrying a 4-inch knife which he pointed at a female employee, said Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Gerber. Poly then demanded she turn over the money in the cash register, at which point a male customer intervened, Gerber said. Poly then threatened the customer with the knife and demanded his money and wallet, Gerber said, but fled the store without any money and the male customer in pursuit.

According to Palatine police, another customer in the store dialed 911 while the attempted robbery was in progress. Authorities arrested the defendant a few blocks from the store.

As sheriff’s deputies led Poly back to the holding cell after the hearing, Fecarotta allowed him to say goodbye to his father.

“I love you, son,” said the man from the gallery as Poly was led from the courtroom.

“I love you,” Poly said.