NEW LENOX, IL — A 27-year-old Chicago man, Virgil Holland, has been arrested in connection with an attempted armed robbery at an AT&T store in New Lenox, police confirmed Thursday.
The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 1 at the AT&T location at 701 E. Lincoln Highway. According to New Lenox police, two men—wearing masks, gloves, and construction attire—entered the store, assaulted an employee with a handgun, and demanded access to the safe.
Due to security measures in place, the safe could not be opened. The suspects fled empty-handed, and the injured employee declined medical treatment.
Investigators obtained surveillance video showing the suspects’ vehicle. Police traced the vehicle to a residence in Chicago, where Holland was spotted wearing matching pants and boots seen in the footage. He was taken into custody for questioning.
Authorities say additional evidence linked Holland to the crime, including video showing him buying white latex gloves matching those worn by the suspect during the robbery attempt.
On Thursday, a warrant was issued for Holland’s arrest. He has been charged with:
Attempted armed robbery
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon
Aggravated unlawful restraint
Aggravated battery
All charges are felonies. Holland is being held at the Will County Jail, awaiting a pre-trial detention hearing. Police say the investigation into the second suspect is still ongoing.
New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann criticized the state’s criminal justice system in a statement, calling Holland a “career criminal” and thanking law enforcement for their quick action.
“Thankfully, this time he will be prosecuted in Will County,” Baldermann said.
