Palatine man charged in burglaries

A Palatine man said alcoholism led him to burglarize four liquor stores in Arlington Heights and three in Palatine, according to the Arlington Heights Police Department.

The man, Cory J. Qualls, 20, was arrested after a witness saw him try to smash the front glass window of an Arlington Heights liquor store at 4218 N. Arlington Heights Road, reported Cmdr. Ken Galinski of the Arlington Heights Police Department.

Police were able to arrest Qualls after a brief chase in a nearby neighborhood at around 2:45 a.m. last Wednesday, according to Galinski. He's been charged with three counts of burglary.

While in custody Qualls told police he was an alcoholic and that he burglarized four other Arlington Heights liquor stores since mid-March. He also said he broke into three liquor stores in Palatine, according to Galinski.

Qualls stole only liquor -- never money or other items, according to a police report.

"(Qualls) stated that he would use a tire iron to smash out the front glass, enter the store and remove bottles of liquor," according to a police report.

Qualls was unable to post his $75,000 bond. His next court date will be June 13 at the Rolling Meadows court facilities.