Glendale Heights man faces attempted robbery charge

An 18-year-old Glendale Heights man was charged with aggravated attempted robbery after Bloomingdale detectives said they identified him using surveillance video from a shopping center.

Scott A. Zwolinski of 415 E. Norton Drive was arrested Friday, police said Monday.

Chief Frank Giammarese said a 67-year-old woman was walking to her car in the parking lot of a shopping center on the 300 block of West Army Trail Road when Zwolinski tried to grab her purse from behind.

“As she neared the parked cars, he came from behind and grabbed onto her purse that was slung over her shoulder, but the victim held on and they struggled,” Giammarese said. “The suspect continued to pull, somewhat dragging her across the ground, but she didn’t let go and he eventually ran away northbound on foot.”

The victim was treated for minor injuries at the scene by emergency workers from the Bloomingdale Fire Protection District. Police also were called but couldn’t initially find the would-be robber.

After questioning the victim and store owners in the area, detectives created a suspect profile and learned he had purchased an item from a secondhand store, which also required Zwolinski to give his name and address, Giammarese said. Detectives then screened surveillance video and matched the suspect to his description and found Zwolinski at the address he gave.

“While this was happening, some people were concerned and were circulating e-mails about this and even my wife got a copy, but I don’t think anyone knew he was caught so quickly,” Giammarese said. “Our detectives did some great work.”

Zwolinski was arrested early Friday and later charged with the attempted robbery. He was found wearing the same clothes seen in the surveillance tape, was interviewed and confessed, police said.

He was taken to DuPage County jail and remained there Monday. His bail is $3,000.