Shoplifting Siblings Caught With Loaded Gun, Crack: Police

CRESTWOOD, IL — A brother and sister duo were arrested after they were caught shopping at a department store in Crestwood, one of whom was found to be armed with a gun, prosecutors said. Brian Martinez, 26, of Chicago, and his 31-year-old sister Priscilla Martinez, of Romeoville, appeared last Thursday before Cook County Judge John Mahoney on a retail theft charge. Brian was additionally charged with disorderly conduct, and Priscilla with possession of a controlled substance.

Around 6:45 p.m. Dec. 10, Crestwood police responded to a retail theft in progress at Kohl’s in the Rivercrest Shopping Center. A loss prevention officer was able to identify Brian Martinez, who he claimed to see taking a sweatshirt and cologne valued at $72. The prosecutor said Brian handed the merchandise off to his sister, who placed the items in a bag.

While officers searched Brian Martinez, they found a loaded .38-caliber Smith and Wesson gun, for which he had no FOID or conceal-carry license, the prosecutor said. Police also claimed to have found crack in Priscilla’s purse and a bag of heroin on the floorboard of her car.

Bail for Priscilla Martinez was set at $20,000. Her brother, Brian, is being held without bond.

“He committed a crime while armed,” Mahoney said. “He’s a danger to the community. This lays to the inability to predict future behavior.”

The brother and sister are both due back in court Jan. 7.