Waukegan man accused of trying to sell stolen equipment to owner

A Waukegan man has been charged after trying to sell stolen landscaping equipment to the person the items were taken from, authorities said Thursday.

Angelo L. Rodriguez, 53, of the 1700 block of Hyde Park Street, was released from Lake County jail Thursday on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond. He is charged with one count of felony theft and misdemeanor counts of obstructing police and driving while his license is suspended.

He is due back in Lake County court July 17.

Sheriff's deputies responded to the 12900 block of West Wadsworth Road in Beach Park about 8 a.m. Wednesday for a reported burglary to a landscaping trailer, authorities said in a news release.

The victim told police someone had cut a lock on one of his landscaping trailers overnight. The thief stole five backpack blowers, two chain saws and a concrete saw.

A few hours after the burglary was reported, the victim was contacted by Rodriquez, who claimed he was selling some landscaping equipment he recently acquired, authorities said.

Undercover officers bought the items Rodriguez had and arrested him Wednesday, police said.

Shortly after his arrest, Rodriguez complained he wasn't feeling well and was taken to the hospital. As he was discharged, Rodriguez tried to run but was caught after a short chase, authorities said.

"We tend to see an uptick in property crimes and crimes of opportunity during the warmer weather months," Sheriff John Idleburg said. "I'm very happy with the collaboration between our patrol division, criminal investigations division, and special investigations group that resolved this case quickly - recovering the victim's property and arresting the offender."