Cops say armed robbery ring busted

A fourth person has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery ring responsible for eight thefts across Lake County, officials said today.

Late Sunday night, police identified a fourth person, Jacob Burnett, 24, of Waukegan, who is accused of assisting in a Dec. 13 robbery at the Arby's in Waukegan.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Stephen Scheller said three suspects were arrested Friday night at a Waukegan pizza parlor.

Scheller said police were called to a robbery in progress about 10 p.m. at the Papa John's restaurant at 1321 N. Green Bay Road.

Officers saw two men, later identified as Alonzo Amos, 22, of Waukegan, and Jermmie Carlisle, 21, of North Chicago, run out of the restaurant as they arrived.

They were caught after a short foot chase. Ashley Robinson, 21, of Waukegan, who was waiting in a nearby car, was also arrested.

A BB gun and a stun gun were taken from Amos and Carlisle, police said, and one officer suffered minor injuries in the chase.

During the weekend, Amos and Robinson confessed to seven additional robberies, and Carlisle admitted being involved in four others, police said.

Amos and Robinson are implicated in the Dec. 13 robbery of an Arby's in Waukegan; Game Stop in Waukegan on Jan. 14; Subway in Gurnee on Jan. 23; Burger King in Gurnee on Jan. 31; Radio Shack in Waukegan on Feb. 5; Game Stop in Round Lake Beach on March 2; and Wendy's in Zion on March 2.

Carlisle admitted being involved in the robberies at Radio Shack and Game Stop in Waukegan and the Burger King and Subway in Gurnee, Scheller said.

In addition, Carlisle is accused of fondling a 14-year-old girl at the Papa John's, and forcing women to have sex with him at gunpoint at the Radio Shack and Subway robberies.

Scheller said the men would enter the businesses, and take money and property from the victims. Robinson drove the getaway car.

Property stolen from Radio Shack and the Game Stop was found at an apartment shared by Amos and Robinson, Scheller said. Many of the robberies are on videotape.

Scheller said Amos, Burnett and Robinson are charged with armed robbery. Carlisle faces that charge, as well as aggravated criminal sexual abuse and aggravated criminal sexual assault.

Associate Judge Daniel Shanes set bond for Amos and Carlisle at $2 million, Robinson at $1 million and Burnett at $500,000 during court appearances Monday.

All four are scheduled to appear in court April 24.