Police searching for armed robber in Arlington Heights

Arlington Heights Police are searching for a man who tried to steal baby formula Thursday evening from a Jewel-Osco store on Arlington Heights Road.

Patrolman Doug Hajek of the Arlington Heights Police Department said a loss prevention employee saw the man enter the store in the 1800 block of Arlington Heights Road at 6:20 p.m. and walk to the baby formula aisle. He said he watched the man put two cans of baby formula into a gift bag that he took from a nearby shelf, then attempt to walk out without paying.

When the loss prevention officer grabbed the gift bag from the offender while attempting to stop him in the parking lot, the offender told the security agent he was armed with a gun, Hajek said. The loss prevention officer let go of the felon, who dropped the bag and walked to a white SUV. He again indicated that he had a gun before climbing into the truck and fleeing northbound on Arlington Heights Road.

The offender is described as black, between 30 and 40 years old, standing 5-feet-11, with a medium build. He had braided hair, was unshaven, and was wearing a white shirt, blue jeans, and a hooded black jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at (847) 368-5300.