Wilmette police on Wednesday were actively pursuing leads on second suspect in an armed robbery in the north suburb earlier this month, authorities said.
Saul Esquivel, 18, of the 7400 block of North Damen Avenue in Chicago, was arrested and charged last week with armed robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle and misdemeanor unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the armed robbery of a 44-year-old jogger around 9 a.m. on May 4 near Beechwood Avenue and Hunter Road, police said. Police said the victim’s cellphone was stolen and the suspects, wearing bandanas over their faces, fled the scene in a black sedan.
Esquivel confessed to his involvement in robbery, according to police, and no injuries were reported. When Esquivel was arrested by Lincolnwood and Skokie police last week he in was possession of a silver semiautomatic handgun police believe was used in the Wilmette robbery, authorities said.
They also said a second suspect has not yet been charged in then crime but charges could be coming soon.
Wilmette Police Chief Kyle Murphy on Wednesday credited Lincolnwood and Skokie police with making the arrest.
“It was good work,” he said. “That initial arrest was a perfect illustration of the importance of our cooperation between agencies. We have an excellent working relationship with Lincolnwood, Skokie and a lot of our neighboring departments.”
He also said police in the north suburbs have noticed a trend in the last few years in which guns are more frequently used in robberies.
“There are offenders that are armed in violent crimes and offenders that are armed in property crimes,” he said. “If you are the victim of a property crime such as a burglary to an auto or stolen vehicle or a violent crime like a robbery…comply don’t confront them.”
Murphy said robbery victims should gather as much information as you can about the robber and contact 911 as soon as possible.
Brian L. Cox is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
