On Aug. 30 at approximately 6:25 p.m., Evanston police officers observed a suspicious subject in the area of Custer Avenue and Mulford Street, said Commander Tom Guenther, public information officer of the Evanston Police Department, in a prepared statement. When the subject, a 29-year old Chicago man, saw the police, he attempted to conceal himself from their view, said the Commander. The police then saw the man get on a bike, while talking on a cell phone and attempt to quickly leave the area.
Officers stopped the man, conducted a safety pat-down search, and found a canister of pepper spray and a flashlight, said Commander Guenther. In the man’s backpack, officers discovered an assortment of tools, consisting of a crowbar, screw drivers, wrench, socket driver, knife, rubber gloves and a large key ring with keys marked for laundry rooms and washing machines, said the Commander.
In a continuing investigation, detectives learned of a burglary at an apartment building laundry room storage locker in the 200 block of Ridge Ave. Police technicians processed the crime scene, which resulted in the recovery of physical evidence implicating the man. The man was charged with residential burglary and possession of burglary tools, said the Commander.