Armed Robbery Spree Hits 2 Dunkins, 1 McDonalds In 1 Night: Cops

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — Serial robbers hit three businesses in Palos Heights, Oak Forest and Matesson during the early morning hours on Tuesday. Palos Heights police released surveillance footage and images of what they believe to be a crew operating in the south suburbs.

Around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, a silver, 4-door BMW pulled up to the drive-thru window at Dunkin’ Donuts, 12908 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights. The occupants of the car placed an order. When the employee opened the window, the occupants pointed a gun at the employee, then climbed through the window, police said.

A security video showed two men climbing through the window, opening the cash register and shaking change out of the drawer. The two then exited out the drive-thru window and drove away. Moments after hitting the Palos Heights Dunkin, police said it appeared the same crew robbed a McDonald’s in Oak Forest, based on descriptions of similar clothing and car.

~ Robber Climbs Through Dunkin's Drive-Thru Window, Steals Cash: Cops

Deputy Chief Bill Czajkowski said the three robberies all occurred within 30 minutes of each other. Each time, two men would force employees out of the way by pointing a gun and then climb through the drive-thru window. The BMW that the men used had been reported stolen earlier in the week. Police were unsure if the car was taken during a carjacking. Both men wore face coverings and gloves.

“They started in Matteson, then us and then Oak Forest,” Czajkowski said. “They would place and order and when the employee returned with their order, they’d point a gun forcing the employee to back off. Then they’d climb through the window.”

On Jan. 7, a Dunkin Donuts was robbed in Oak Lawn. According to police, a man entered the store through the drive thru-window and took the cash drawers from two registers before leaving the store. Police don't know if the Oak Lawn robbery is related to the others.

Anyone who recognizes the people or vehicle in the surveillance video, or has useful information to share, call Palos Heights police at 708-448-5060 or 911.

~ Video provided by Palos Heights Police Department