Gunman in Elk Grove Village attempted warehouse robbery pleads guilty
Just before his trial was about to begin, a Chicago man pleaded guilty Tuesday to attempting to rob employees at an Elk Grove Village warehouse last year.
Nathaniel J. Williams entered the guilty plea to charges of attempted armed robbery and aggravated discharge of a firearm following negotiations between his attorneys and Cook County prosecutors.
In exchange for the plea, Cook County Judge Ellen Mandletort indicated she will sentence Williams, 34, to 12 years in prison. He must complete at least 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.
Williams, who will be officially sentenced on April 17, will receive credit for about 14 months he has spent in custody since his arrest.
At about 6 a.m. on Jan. 28, 2012, Williams entered a warehouse in the 1800 block of Greenleaf Avenue and approached a worker who had previously sold Williams wooden pallets, said Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Crowe.
Williams showed the worker a gun, “stated he was only there for the money” and took him and another employee into an office where he again demanded money, Crowe said.
After one of the employees refused, Williams “said he was serious” and fired a single shot into the ceiling, Crowe said. After the employee again refused, Williams left. The employee followed him and watched him enter his vehicle and depart, Crowe said.
The employee got into his own vehicle and pursued Williams, who fired at the man several times, blowing out his window, Crowe said.
Williams was stopped at Lee Street and I-90, and Elk Grove Village police took him into custody, Crowe said.