PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — A Palos Heights gas station employee was arrested after a months-long investigation into the theft of instant lottery tickets.
Zaid Abu Alkheil, 36, of Chicago, faces felony theft charges for allegedly stealing more than $2,300 worth of lottery tickets from the Circle K gas station.
The investigation began on May 2, when Palos Heights police met with the Circle K manager regarding missing lottery tickets. An audit conducted by corporate headquarters revealed that $2,341 worth of tickets disappeared on several dates when Abu Alkheil was on duty.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Abu Alkheil taking tickets while attempting to evade the security cameras.
Abu Alkheil was arrested on July 2. While he denied involvement, police say the video evidence clearly shows the theft. The Cook County State’s Attorney approved the felony charge.
His case is currently pending at the Bridgeview Courthouse.
