Beach Park man gets 3 years for burglary

A Beach Park man has been sentenced to three years in prison for breaking into a gas station.

Brian Maki, 46, will remain free until Sept. 2, when he must begin serving the sentence.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Ari Fisz said Maki was arrested Aug. 14 after a Lake County sheriff's deputy noticed the door of a Mobil station at 37025 N. Green Bay Road, Beach Park, had been smashed in.

Investigators were called to the scene and discovered gloves and a crow bar believed to have been used in the crime.

As they were investigating, police saw Maki running across Green Bay Road and pursued him to his home at 12915 W. Sallmon Ave.

A check of the station's video surveillance tape showed Maki breaking into the station. Police found clothing at Maki's home matching what was worn by the man on the tape.

Maki pleaded guilty to burglary during a hearing before Circuit Judge Fred Foreman. He could have faced up to five years in prison if convicted after a trial.