Gurnee police make arrests in string of commercial burglaries

Three juveniles have been arrested in connection with a stolen vehicle investigation that tied them to a string of commercial burglaries across Lake County, authorities said.

Investigators estimate more than 40 commercial burglaries throughout Lake County may be linked to the case.

The Gurnee Police Department, working with multiple law enforcement agencies, announced Saturday that the arrests stem from a broader investigation into a surge of vehicle thefts and business break-ins reported throughout April.

Police said the stolen vehicle was recovered in the 500 block of Genesee Street in Waukegan and is believed to be connected to the series of overnight commercial burglaries.

At approximately 5:20 a.m. Saturday, Gurnee detectives conducting surveillance observed a stolen Kia in Waukegan. With assistance from the Waukegan Police Department and other agencies across Lake County, officers detained three suspects — a 16-year-old and two 17-year-olds, all from Waukegan.

Authorities believe the juveniles were involved in both the vehicle theft and multiple commercial burglaries. Due to their ages, their identities have not been released.

The investigation remains ongoing, with additional charges pending as detectives work with the Lake County state’s attorney’s office Juvenile Division. Police are also seeking to identify other potential suspects.

“This case reflects the complexity of investigating a series of related incidents across multiple jurisdictions,” said Gurnee Police Chief Jeremy Gaughan. “We recognize the impact these crimes have had on our business owners, and we hope this development provides reassurance that those responsible are being held accountable.”