Lake Co. man gets probation in cigarette store theft

A Winthrop Harbor man who admitted smashing through the door of a cigarette store and stealing cigarettes and cash was placed on two years of probation Monday.

Evan Crews, 20, pleaded guilty to theft during a hearing before Lake County Circuit Judge John Phillips.

Assistant State's Attorney Steven Derue said Winthrop Harbor police were called to the Tobacco Shop, 719 Sheridan Road, on the morning of Sept. 1.

The owner of the store had arrived to find a glass front door had been smashed open and a trail of store merchandise on the floor leading to the back door.

Police reviewed the security camera videotape, Derue said, and saw a man throw a brick through the front door of the store, run inside and gather merchandise in his arms.

An officer recognized Crews on the video from prior contacts and went to his home in the 3000 block of Sheridan Road to question him.

Crews originally denied being involved, Derue said, but the officer found a pack of cigarettes in his shirt pocket with a tax stamp that matched those taken from the store.

About $300 in merchandise and $4,500 in cash was taken, Derue said, and Crews was originally charged with burglary and theft.

Derue said he agreed to drop the more serious charge of burglary in exchange for Crews' theft plea.

Phillips also ordered Crews to perform 300 hours of community service as part of his sentence.