Three men have been arrested in connection with a series of burglaries and thefts across Chicago, including a Nov. 3 incident where two suspects allegedly stole $1,800 in cash from an electronic entertainment and gambling machine.
Chicago police reported the arrests took place at approximately 2:05 a.m. on Nov. 4, in the 2000 block of North Milwaukee Avenue. The arrests were linked to a burglary and theft reported hours earlier at a gas station located in the 7100 block of North Sheridan Road in the 24th District (Rogers Park).
The suspects, Samir Marogail, 34, of North Milwaukee Avenue, and Yong Suk Lee, 35, of Palatine, were also charged in connection with other incidents, including a burglary on Oct. 19 in the 6400 block of West Belmont Avenue (16th District), and a Nov. 3 incident at Belford Tavern, 3200 N. Pulaski Road (17th District), where they allegedly used a crowbar to open a gaming machine and take cash. During this incident, the suspects reportedly told patrons they were “repo men.”
Marogail has been charged with five felony counts of burglary and three felony counts of theft/unauthorized control, including incidents on Aug. 16 in the 16th District and Sept. 27 in the 25th District (Grand Central). A warrant for his arrest had been issued prior to his apprehension.
Lee faces two felony counts of burglary and two felony counts of theft/unauthorized control.
A third suspect, identified as Timothy Blaze, 34, of Westville, Indiana, was charged with one felony count of burglary and one felony count of theft/unauthorized control in connection with the gas station incident. Blaze also faces a charge for possession of methamphetamine (less than 5 grams).
The arrests were part of a coordinated effort involving detectives from the 16th District, Area 5, and citywide task forces aimed at tackling offenders involved in such citywide crimes.