Parolee Charged with Stealing Over $30,000 Worth of Merchandise from Lululemon Stores
CHICAGO — Davenchia Lewis, a parolee, has been accused of stealing merchandise valued at more than $30,000 during multiple raids on Lululemon stores in Lakeview and the West Loop. Chicago police detectives identified Lewis through his distinctive White Sox tattoo captured on store surveillance footage, according to court documents.
The theft spree began on August 9 around 1:30 p.m. when Lewis and an unidentified woman entered the Lakeview store located at 3556 North Southport. They reportedly filled garbage bags with merchandise totaling $10,986.
However, Lewis faced more serious charges on August 14 when he targeted two Lululemon stores. Prosecutors allege that Lewis resorted to robbery during these incidents by threatening to use a gun when confronted by employees.
At the 932 West Randolph location, Lewis entered the store around noon with a bookbag, proceeded to the back, and filled garbage bags with merchandise valued at $12,348. He allegedly threatened to shoot two employees, although no gun was actually seen.
Later that evening, Lewis, along with a man and a woman, returned to the Lakeview store. While the woman acted as a lookout at the door, the men filled black bags with merchandise worth $9,364. Lewis reportedly warned an employee by saying, “Get away from me, I have a gun.”
Surveillance footage from the stores captured all three incidents, showing Lewis’s White Sox tattoo in two of them. Chicago Police Department utilized facial recognition and photo line-ups to confirm Lewis’s involvement.
Charged with two counts of aggravated robbery and felony retail theft, Lewis was absent during his initial court appearance. His detention petition will be heard during an upcoming hearing.
Currently held in the county jail on a parole violation warrant from the Illinois Department of Corrections, Lewis was released on parole on March 1 after serving time for aggravated battery of a peace officer and illegal gun possession.
Lululemon stores are frequent targets for organized shoplifting rings that resell stolen merchandise online or on the streets.
Previous Incidents at Lululemon Stores:
- On September 5, smash-and-grab burglars broke into the Lakeview store at 3:28 a.m.
- In June, an alleged shoplifting team was charged with raiding five Lululemon stores within 90 minutes, stealing products worth $17,374.
- Last fall, a woman who allegedly shoplifted from Lululemon stores over 30 times received a two-year sentence.
