Repentant robber returns dough after Dunkin Donuts stickup

A repentant robber who held up a Dunkin' Donuts in Hinsdale came back one day later to apologize and return the dough, prosecutors said Thursday.

Alex M. Holmes, 17, is being held on a $75,000 bond in the DuPage County jail on charges alleging aggravated robbery.

Prosecutor Brooks Locke said Holmes sneaked into the store at 150 E. Ogden Ave. about 3 a.m. Tuesday through a back door that was open because of a delivery. Holmes is accused of making off with $167 and some change after displaying a gun to the clerk, who was not injured.

That next morning, also at 3 a.m., Holmes returned to the store with the stolen loot, including the change, and apologized to the same clerk, Locke said.

"He told her he was sorry and felt bad for what he had done," Locke said.

Police said Holmes also asked the clerk for a hug. His request was denied. Both encounters were captured by the store's surveillance camera.

Hinsdale officers Tim Lennox and John Parnitzke arrested Holmes later that day after spotting a teen who matched his description and clothing riding a bike. Holmes provided police with a written confession, Locke said.

He said police later located the weapon - which turned out to be a BB gun - inside the defendant's house.

"It's a first for me," said Hinsdale Detective Charles Leuver. "I've been here for 14 years and have never seen anything like this happen before. I was almost dumbfounded."

DuPage Associate Judge Peter Ostling set the $75,000 bond early Thursday during a brief court hearing.

Holmes must post $7,530 bail to be released from jail. His criminal history includes arrests as a juvenile for domestic battery, aggravated battery and possession of marijuana in 2007 and 2008. Holmes told the judge he attends an alternative study program.

Holmes is due in court again April 20.

The teen's parents declined to comment after Thursday's court hearing.