In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a sub shop employee in Lincoln Park, Chicago, unexpectedly confronted burglars in a dramatic incident caught on surveillance footage. This break-in was one of at least three burglaries targeting local restaurants and bars within an hour, leaving businesses in the area on edge and police actively investigating potential connections among the crimes. Here is a look into the events as they unfolded, capturing moments of criminal action, a daring confrontation, and the quick getaway of suspects.

Surveillance Footage Captures Sub Shop Burglary

At a Mr. Sub location in Lincoln Park, surveillance cameras recorded the arrival of a burglary crew just after 3:00 a.m. Three individuals exited a vehicle and approached the restaurant’s front entrance, each prepared to break in quickly. The footage shows the burglars shattering the glass door before one of the suspects jumps over the counter, heading straight for the cash registers.

Within less than three minutes, the burglary suspects successfully accessed the registers and attempted to flee the scene. The footage captured the speed and organization of their actions, indicating a well-coordinated effort among the burglars. However, an unexpected confrontation briefly interrupted their plans.

Employee Confronts Burglars Inside the Restaurant

Unbeknownst to the intruders, a Mr. Sub employee was sleeping in the back of the restaurant at the time. The noise of breaking glass and hurried movements woke him, and he soon came face-to-face with one of the suspects. Reacting quickly, the employee confronted the burglar and attempted to scare him off.

In response, the intruders initially retreated as the employee disappeared into the back of the restaurant. Despite this brief moment of confrontation, the suspects continued their efforts to seize cash registers. Surveillance footage shows another suspect entering the restaurant and jumping over the counter in a second attempt to secure a cash register. In the process, he hit his head on a ceiling fan and stumbled, crashing into a table before managing to regain his footing. Despite the mishap, he grabbed a register, dashed to the getaway car, and fled with the other burglars.

The String of Break-Ins Continues in Nearby Areas

This incident at Mr. Sub was not isolated. About 30 minutes prior, another establishment in Chicago’s South Loop experienced a similar break-in. Security footage from that location reveals three suspects shattering the front window and entering the premises. Unlike the Lincoln Park incident, the South Loop burglars were armed with firearms, adding an element of heightened danger. They also stole a cash register before fleeing, leaving the business with damaged property and stolen cash.

The string of burglaries continued, with another hit on the Money Gun bar on Lake Street in the same time frame. According to police, suspects wearing ski masks shot at the door to gain entry. At the time of the break-in, employees were in the process of closing up for the night and were counting cash, which the burglars targeted. The suspects quickly stole money, shattered doors, and then exited the premises before police could arrive.

Police Investigate Potential Connections Among the Crimes

As of Wednesday, authorities are still investigating to determine if these three break-ins are connected, though the similarity in timing and targets raises strong suspicions. According to police, all three incidents occurred within a close window of time and involved multiple suspects targeting cash registers and valuables inside each business. The Lincoln Park break-in involved three suspects using blunt force to enter and grab the register, while the other two incidents involved firearms and forced entry. The patterns of behavior suggest that the same group or multiple coordinated groups may be behind the crimes.

Police managed to recover the two cash registers stolen from Mr. Sub, but the suspects remain at large, and no arrests have been made. Investigators are urging any witnesses or individuals with information on the incidents to come forward, as they work to analyze the surveillance footage and gather leads that may point to the identities of the burglars.

Local Businesses Left on Edge Following Violent Incidents

The recent string of break-ins has left local business owners and employees feeling vulnerable. The use of firearms in some of the incidents has heightened fears, as workers are now more alert to potential dangers even after hours. Many have expressed concerns over the safety of late-night shifts and the increased need for surveillance measures and security reinforcements. In response, some businesses have started discussing additional security protocols to deter future break-ins, including upgraded surveillance systems, reinforced entryways, and routine security checks.

The Lincoln Park and South Loop communities remain on alert as police continue their investigations. The string of burglaries serves as a reminder of the risks businesses face, particularly those operating during late hours or in locations without robust security measures. Law enforcement is expected to increase patrols in the area and implement preventive strategies to ensure public safety and reduce future break-ins.

Conclusion

The confrontation between a sub shop worker and burglars in Chicago’s Lincoln Park is just one example of a troubling increase in targeted break-ins against local businesses. The swift actions and coordination of the suspects, as captured on surveillance footage, have raised significant concerns in the community. As police work to connect the dots among the Lincoln Park, South Loop, and Lake Street break-ins, local businesses are taking precautions to safeguard their premises and protect their employees. With ongoing investigations and heightened security measures, residents and business owners hope to see an end to these violent incidents and restore a sense of security in their neighborhoods.