Two men arrested after an attempted armed robbery at a 7-11 store in Palos Heights may be connected to additional crimes in the area, police said.
On Feb. 7, investigators executed a search warrant on the suspects’ vehicle and conducted interviews with witnesses and suspects. Authorities said they collected evidence linking the vehicle and suspects not only to the Palos Heights case but also to several other area robberies.
After reviewing the findings, police met with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, which approved charges against both men.
Lejuan R. Pouncy, 22, of Riverdale, is in the custody of the Chicago Police Department and will be charged with one count of attempted armed robbery, officials said. A warrant for the same charge was issued for Brandon Smith, 24, of Chicago, who remains in custody in Hammond, Indiana, awaiting extradition.
Authorities noted that while charges in other cases have been approved, the two men have not yet been formally charged in the Palos Heights case. That process will take place once they are transferred into local custody.
The case began in the early morning hours of Feb. 7, when a Palos Heights officer on routine patrol saw a man inside the 7-Eleven on 135th Street pointing a handgun at the store clerk. A second suspect was inside the store’s office. As soon as they noticed the officer, they ran out the back, police said.
Officers searching the area spotted a black Chrysler 200 nearby and pulled it over. The driver, a woman, initially complied with officers but then sped off.
Multiple law enforcement agencies were alerted. Chicago police later arrested Pouncy, while the Chrysler continued toward Indiana. Hammond police stopped the car and took Smith and the female driver into custody.
Investigators recovered additional evidence from the vehicle, further linking the suspects to multiple armed robberies in the region, officials said. Authorities are working with other agencies to determine whether the two men are connected to additional cases.
Police are urging residents and businesses to stay alert and report anything suspicious. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Palos Heights Police Department.
ORIGINAL REPORT: A Palos Heights police officer on routine patrol interrupted an armed robbery early Friday, Feb. 7, setting off a multi-jurisdictional pursuit that led to the arrests of three suspects. Authorities believe the individuals may be responsible for a string of armed robberies and an attempted carjacking across several towns.
At approximately 2:16 a.m., an officer patrolling the area spotted a man behind the counter of the 7-Eleven at 6350 W. 135th St., holding a handgun and pointing it at the store clerk. A second suspect was inside the store’s management office.
When the suspects noticed the squad car, they immediately fled out the back of the store, prompting the officer to search for them in the surrounding area. Moments later, the officer observed a black Chrysler 200 turning westbound onto 135th Street from a nearby residential street and conducted a traffic stop.
The vehicle was driven by a female suspect, who initially complied with the stop. However, as the officer ordered her to exit the vehicle, she suddenly fled at a high rate of speed, police said.
As officers investigated the 7-Eleven incident, they learned that the two armed suspects were involved in at least two additional crimes earlier that morning. The first was an attempted carjacking and armed robbery near Southwest Highway and Harlem Avenue. Shortly after, another armed robbery occurred in the 11400 block of Harlem Avenue.
“These incidents weren’t random, but they also weren’t premeditated in the sense of targeting specific locations,” Palos Heights Deputy Police Chief Jeffery Crowley said. “From my experience, offenders like this drive around looking for opportunities—businesses that appear empty or vulnerable at the time.”
While the female driver managed to flee the traffic stop, law enforcement agencies were quickly alerted to the suspect vehicle’s movements. Not long after, Chicago police located and arrested one of the suspects. Meanwhile, the Chrysler 200 continued toward Indiana, where Hammond police apprehended the second suspect and the female driver.
Authorities are now reviewing surveillance footage from the 7-Eleven and surrounding areas to determine whether the suspects may be linked to additional crimes.
“We’re gathering evidence to see if these suspects were involved in other crimes before last night,” Crowley said. “Since our officer interrupted the robbery in progress, they didn’t get away with any money or merchandise, but we’re working with other agencies to see if they’re linked to additional cases.”
While no injuries were reported in any of the incidents, Crowley credited the officer’s awareness and quick response for preventing a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.
“Our officer was just doing routine patrol, checking businesses, and happened to drive by at the right moment,” Crowley said. “The suspects likely saw him at the same time he saw them, which is why they took off.”
As the investigation remains ongoing, Palos Heights police are urging residents and businesses to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
“These incidents can happen anywhere,” Crowley said. “Staying aware of your surroundings and cooperating with law enforcement can make a significant difference.”
Authorities continue to work with multiple law enforcement agencies to consolidate charges and investigate whether the suspects are connected to additional crimes.
Information about the three suspects arrested was not immediately available.
Thank you Palis Heights police. You’re awesome.