Evanston Police Charge Offender in Two Armed Robberies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 4, 2018

Contact: Perry Polinski - Media Relations
Phone:   (847) 866-5026

email:  ppolinski@cityofevanston.org

 

EVANSTON POLICE CHARGE OFFENDER IN TWO ARMED ROBBERIES 

 

Following up on two armed robberies that occurred earlier in the year (see original release below), Evanston Police Detectives today took the offender into custody at Cook County Jail, where he was being held on charges stemming from multiple armed robberies in other jurisdictions. Through witnesses, video and physical evidence, Detectives developed information linking the offender to the Evanston incidents.

Arrested: Preston G. Gresham, male, 57 years old of 7750 S. Emerald Av., Chicago, IL

Charges: Attempted Armed Robbery - Class 1 (for the 1630 Orrington Av. incident) and Armed Robbery - Class X (for the 920 Chicago Av. incident)

Gresham had a bond hearing this morning at the Circuit Court of Cook County - Second Municipal District at 5600 Old Orchard Rd., Skokie, IL where he received no bond and is currently being held at the Cook County Jail.

 

*** Original Release Below ***   

 

EVANSTON POLICE INVESTIGATE ATTEMPT ARMED ROBBERY AND ARMED ROBBERY

 

On Monday, January 22, 2018 at approximately 4:34 PM, officers were dispatched to Close Knit at 1630 Orrington Avenue for an attempt armed robbery that had just occurred.   The employee, who is a female, 52 years old stated that a male subject entered the store.  The male subject made contact with the female employee.  The male subject displayed an apparent handgun in his waistband while announcing, "open the cash register or I'll shoot."  The female employee did not comply and yelled at the suspect to get out.  The suspect then fled the store.

On Monday, January 22, 2018 at approximately 4:43 PM, officers were dispatched to Thrift House at 920 Chicago Avenue for an armed robbery that had just occurred.  The employee, who is a female, 47 years old stated that a male subject entered the store.  The male subject made contact with the female employee.  The male subject displayed an apparent handgun in his waistband while announcing, "give me all your money."  The female employee complied and gave the suspect approximately $330.00 in United States Currency.  The suspect then fled the store. 

The investigation revealed that it is likely the same suspect in both incidents.  The suspect is described as a male/black, 50-60+ years old, approximately 5'8" and thin build.  Still photographs are included in the hopes of identifying the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Evanston Police Department at (847) 866-5040 or utilize Text-A-Tip by texting CRIMES (274637) and entering EPDTIP in the message line, followed by the tip information.  

 

 

 

 

 

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