On July 20, 2020 at approximately 9:45AM, Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a robbery at an eating establishment in the 16100 block of West Route 173, Wadsworth.  Sheriff’s deputies arrived and met with the 22-year-old female victim who was battered but did not require medical attention.

Preliminary investigation shows Jaleel C. Hawkins, 20, of the 3900 block of Foxglove Drive, Zion, entered the establishment and forcefully took money from the victim and her register.  The victim attempted to defend the store and Hawkins struck her in the head before fleeing.

Sheriff’s deputies were able to obtain a vehicle description for Hawkins’ vehicle and issued a regional broadcast to other area law-enforcement agencies.  A short time later, Waukegan Police Officers along with Sheriff’s Warrants Deputies located Hawkins’ vehicle in the 1500 block of Sunset Avenue in Waukegan.  Hawkins was taken into custody, without incident, inside of a store in the same block.  

A significant amount of the money stolen during the robbery was recovered from Hawkins’ vehicle, along with a firearm.  

After reviewing the facts and circumstances of the case, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved a robbery charge (class 2 felony) for Hawkins.  Additional charges are pending.

Hawkins remains held in the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing this morning.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.